Colombia Finca Paraíso Castillo 7oz

Finca El Paraíso is both a farm and a living laboratory for Diego Bermudez, a coffee producer renowned for his pioneering approach to processing. Initially met with skepticism by some who suspected his coffees might be infused with fruit flavors, Diego has since become a beacon of innovation.

The second of two lots we selected from El Paraíso, this Castillo Tropical lives up to its name, boasting notes of distinctly sweet and aromatic tropical fruits.

The processing of this coffee begins with the harvesting of perfectly-ripe Castillo cherries, which are disinfected and submerged in a tank of water for their first 48-hour fermentation. The coffee is then pulped and fermented for an additional 24 hours, this time with the addition of Kluyveromyces lactis yeast. Commonly used in the production of cheese and other fermented dairy products, this yeast can produce volatile aromatic compounds that are associated with enhanced fruit notes and reduced bitterness.

Near the end of this second fermentation, Diego's thermal shock technique is applied, heating the tank before washing the coffee in cold water—the 'shock' of this cold-water plunge stops the fermentation process. Finally, the coffee is dried in a dehumidifier designed by Diego and his team to ensure that moisture leaves the coffee at a controlled, even pace.

Produced by Diego Bermudez in Colombia, the Colombia Finca Paraíso Castillo 7oz is a distinct offering from Intelligentsia Coffee. This lot features the Castillo varietal, which is widely recognized for its resilience and adaptability in diverse growing environments. What sets this specific coffee apart is the application of a thermal shock processing method, a technique designed to precisely control fermentation and influence the final cup profile.

In the cup, this coffee is characterized by sweet and aromatic tropical fruits. While flavor profiles can vary significantly based on origin and processing, enthusiasts often consult a flavor wheel to better identify and articulate the nuanced notes found in such specialized lots. By combining the unique Castillo varietal with advanced thermal shock techniques, this selection highlights the innovative approaches currently shaping the landscape of modern coffee production.