Rare Coffee Series: CHIROSO Variety by Fabio Bolivar - FILTER Roast

• Sweet cup

• Apricot and honey

Region: Antioquia Colombia

Producer: Fabio Nelson Urrego Bolivar

FOB (Export price): USD 11,45/ kg

Importer: Top of the Crop

Rob says: In recent years, demand for rare and exclusive varieties has increased in specialty coffee – mostly as a result of their presence at high-level coffee competitions. There are, however, still some varieties which we know much less about. Nonetheless, they still have the potential to become more popular because of their unique flavours and high cup quality. And could the market for Chiroso grow in a similar way to other varieties like the Pink Bourbon?

As with many other rare varieties and species, the exact origins of Chiroso are unknown. It is, however, commonly grown in Urrao – a municipality in southwest Antioquia, Colombia. Initially, Chiroso was believed to be a natural mutation of Caturra, but with longer-shaped cherries. Because of this, many local producers referred to the variety as Caturra Chiroso.

“Chiroso is a slang word in rural Colombia for something that’s slightly elongated,” he says. “It’s not a very common word, but because of the variety’s elongated beans, producers gave it that name.”

This offering from Caffènation highlights the unique potential of the Chiroso varietal, cultivated by producer Fabio Nelson Urrego Bolivar in the Colombia · Antioquia region. While the Chiroso variety is often noted for its distinct profile, this specific lot undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to emphasize clarity and highlight the inherent acidity of the bean.

When evaluating coffees like this, enthusiasts often consult a flavor wheel to better identify the nuanced characteristics present in the cup. In this instance, the filter roast profile is designed to showcase the delicate interplay of apricot and honey notes. By focusing on a clean, washed preparation, the roaster aims to provide a precise expression of the terroir found within this specific Antioquian harvest, allowing the bright, fruit-forward qualities of the Chiroso variety to remain at the forefront of the drinking experience.