José Salazar Bourbon Ají - Wet Process - 2023

This washed bourbon ají variety selection exhibits inviting aromas of spiced berry jam, toffee, and citrus peel on the nose. A vibrant acidity of lime and grapefruit in the cup is accompanied by additional layers of strawberry and subtle tropical fruit as the coffee cools, with delicate floral and browning sugar notes akin to panela emerging in the finish.

The José Salazar Bourbon Ají, roasted by Passenger Coffee, represents a compelling look at the Bourbon Ají varietal. This specific 2023 lot undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean. While washed coffees are often celebrated for their clean, vibrant profiles, the Bourbon Ají varietal is known for its unique capacity to bridge the gap between traditional sweetness and complex, fruit-forward characteristics.

In the cup, this coffee presents a layered experience, moving from bright citrus notes like lime and grapefruit to deeper, richer tones of toffee, panela, and browning sugar. The presence of spiced berry jam and tropical fruit suggests a sophisticated depth that rewards careful evaluation. For those looking to better understand these specific descriptors, referencing a flavor wheel can be an excellent way to categorize the interplay between the floral aromatics and the dense, sugary finish found in this harvest.