Hacienda La Esmeralda - Wet Process - 2023

Quintessentially refined and elegant, this washed gesha variety from the famed Hacienda la Esmeralda boasts a delightful fragrance of honeysuckle, nectarine, and lemon peel on the nose. An aroma of caramel and sweet pastry precedes a plush and coating mouthfeel in the cup, accompanied by flavors of vanilla custard, meyer lemon, and a soft tropical fruit sweetness that lingers as the coffee cools.

Hacienda La Esmeralda remains a benchmark for the Gesha varietal, a plant globally celebrated for its distinct floral aromatics and tea-like clarity. This 2023 release, prepared by Passenger Coffee, utilizes a washed processing method to highlight the inherent elegance of the cherry. While natural-processed coffees often lean toward heavier, fermented fruit profiles, washed Geshas are frequently prized for their bright acidity and refined sweetness.

In this specific lot, the cup profile balances delicate floral notes of honeysuckle with a vibrant citrus character reminiscent of meyer lemon and nectarine. These bright top notes are grounded by a rich, dessert-like finish featuring hints of vanilla custard, caramel, and sweet pastry. For those looking to better identify these nuanced characteristics, referencing a flavor wheel can be a helpful tool when navigating the complex, tropical fruit-forward landscape that defines this exceptional coffee from Hacienda La Esmeralda.