Ivan Lopez - Wet Process - 2023

With the balance and complexity befitting of a champion competition lot, this coffee sings with cooked raspberry from the initial smell of dry grounds. In the cup, layered elements of dense sweetness ranging from vanilla custard to melon candy are balanced by an integrated acidity reminiscent of blood orange and lemon peel, with additional flavors of black tea and stone fruit emerging as the coffee cools

Produced by Ivan Lopez, this 2023 harvest represents a classic example of the washed processing method. By removing the fruit flesh from the coffee cherry before drying, producers often highlight the inherent acidity and clarity of the bean, a technique detailed further in our processing methods explainer. When evaluating a coffee with such a complex profile, it is helpful to reference a flavor wheel to better identify the nuanced interplay between the bright citrus notes of blood orange and lemon peel and the deeper, sweeter undertones of vanilla custard and stone fruit.

Sourced by Passenger Coffee, this lot showcases the distinct characteristics often associated with high-quality washed coffees. While washed coffees are frequently celebrated for their clean, tea-like elegance, the specific profile of this Ivan Lopez selection offers a vibrant range of flavors, spanning from cooked raspberry and melon candy to a structured black tea finish.