Colombia Ombligon Red Dragon Washed Thermo-Shock

At Klatch Coffee, we truly believe that coffee is never finished. There’s always something new to try, whether that’s a new processing method from the producer, a new flavor to incorporate with our store coffee menus, or even a new varietal to try. Klatch Coffee is proud to introduce our Colombia Ombligon Red Dragon Washed Thermo-Shock, a new coffee highlighting the rising Ombligon varietal with flavor notes of rose, sweet jasmine and hibiscus with undertone of tart and tangy acidity, fruity and berry-like. Though we’re no strangers to unique varietals or experimental processing methods, this marks the first time Klatch Coffee has carried the Ombligon varietal.

What is the Ombligon varietal?

Rather than saying this hasn’t existed before, it’s easier to say it’s only recently been discovered. The Ombligon varietal has been popping up in the past few years particularly in the Huila region of Colombia. When this varietal was first discovered, producers simply believed the coffee trees were mutations of other varietals. However, they soon discovered that the coffee cherries for the Ombligon coffees were entirely different. “Ombligon” comes from the word “ombligo,” which translates to “belly button” from Spanish. The Ombligon coffee cherries have a visible protrusion on one end that other varietals don’t, resembling a navel and thus earning the coffee its nickname-turned-name. 

Coffee Review - Kenneth Davids Cup 2026 Finalist recognition in the Experimental category, U.S. division - 96 points:

Blind Assessment

Intensely aromatic, fruit-saturated and complex. Red currant, blood orange, black cherry, rose and dark chocolate in aroma and cup. Vibrant, juicy acidity; plush, syrupy-smooth mouthfeel. The finish is exceptionally long and resonant, with lingering red currant, rose and dark chocolate notes.

Bottom Line

A thrilling thermal-shock rare variety, Ombligon, that combines saturated red fruit, florals and chocolate with exceptional flavor intensity, lively structure and impressive balance.

 

What makes the Ombligon varietal special?

One of the reasons the specialty coffee industry is so intrigued by the Ombligon varietal is because its origins have not been fully traced back yet. Where other varietals like the Caturra or Bourbon can be easily documented and found, the Ombligon is still a bit of a mystery. Originally, producers and researchers believed the varietal to be derived from an Ethiopian coffee since it is known for its complex floral and fruity characteristics. However, recent studies hint that the varietal may have formed through spontaneous cross-pollination between a few of the Arabica varietals already grown within Colombia. Instead of an intentionally created hybrid or breed, the Ombligon appears to have shown up naturally. Read more below on 'What makes the Ombligon varietal special?'

If I usually like Geisha coffees, will I like this new coffee?

If you're drawn to Geisha coffees because of their floral, tea-like qualities, the Ombligon can be a great new coffee to explore. However, it’s important to note that many producers are opting for more experimental processing methods for the Ombligon varietal. So, if you love a clean, washed Geisha, you may find some Ombligon coffees to be surprisingly bold.

Where is this coffee from exactly?

Our Colombia Ombligon Red Dragon Washed Thermo-Shock was produced by Boris Herrera at Esmeralda Negra by Cabra Noir, located in Santuario, Risaralda, Colombia.

Boris Herrera has built a reputation for producing highly sought-after coffees through meticulous farming practices and carefully controlled processing methods. Working in the coffee-rich mountains of Risaralda, he focuses on producing exceptional lots that highlight both the unique genetics of each varietal as well as the distinctive characteristics of the region's terroir. Rather than relying on one processing style, Boris continually experiments with fermentation and drying techniques to discover the best possib

Produced by Boris Herrera in the Santuario region of Risaralda, this Colombia Ombligon Red Dragon is a standout offering from Klatch Coffee. The coffee features the rare Ombligon varietal, which is processed using the innovative Washed Thermo-Shock method. While traditional washed coffees are often celebrated for their clean, vibrant acidity, the Thermo-Shock process is a specialized technique designed to manipulate fermentation temperatures, often resulting in heightened aromatic intensity and complex flavor profiles.

In the cup, this lot presents a sophisticated array of notes including rose, sweet jasmine, hibiscus, red currant, blood orange, black cherry, and dark chocolate. When evaluating such a diverse profile, referencing a flavor wheel can be a helpful tool for identifying these nuanced floral and fruit characteristics. Grown in the unique microclimate of Colombia · Santuario, Risaralda, this selection highlights the intersection of meticulous agricultural practices and modern processing science in contemporary specialty coffee.