Hacienda El Obraje (Wholesale)

Country/Region: Colombia/Nariño

Varietal: Costa Rica 95

Processing: Washed

Elevation: 2200 - 2300 m.a.s.l.

We Taste: Mandarin, Red Apple, Apricot

Costa Rica 95 is a Catimor variety developed by the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE), originating from a controlled cross between Timor Hybrid and Caturra. After being introduced to Colombia, the variety found a strong home in regions such as Huila and Nariño, where high elevations and volcanic soils allow it to develop greater complexity.

At El Obraje Farm, Pablo and his team select only the ripest cherries by hand. The cherries are then carefully sorted and floated to remove underripe or defective fruit before undergoing a controlled 30-hour underwater fermentation. This process allows the natural sugars and organic acids to develop gradually, building greater complexity while maintaining the character of the coffee.

After fermentation, the coffee is pulped, thoroughly washed, and spread across raised beds to dry slowly and evenly. The team closely monitors the drying process until the coffee reaches 9.5–11% moisture.

The result is a washed coffee with a bright, lively character, balanced sweetness, and a clean, structured acidity.

Hacienda El Obraje, located in the Nariño region of Colombia, represents the meticulous work of producer Pablo and his team. This specific lot features the Costa Rica 95 varietal, cultivated at an elevation of 2200–2300 masl. By utilizing a washed process, the producers emphasize the inherent clarity and brightness of the bean, which often results in a clean cup profile. In this instance, the roast by PPP Coffee highlights vibrant notes of mandarin, red apple, and apricot.

When exploring such profiles, it is helpful to reference a flavor wheel to better identify the nuances of stone fruit and citrus acidity. While washed coffees are generally celebrated for their crisp, balanced character, the specific terroir of Nariño often contributes to the distinct complexity found in these high-altitude harvests. This offering serves as a refined example of how careful cultivation and processing techniques shape the final sensory experience in the cup.