Colombia - Las Flores Caturra Chiroso

Founded in 1990 by Edilberto Vergara and Nubia Ayure, the farm is run by fourth generation brothers Carlos, Johan and Diego. Based at 1,750 to 1,900 meters above sea level, they grow rare varieties including Caturra Chiroso. A variety discovered near Antioquia, Colombia. This exotic mutation of Caturra has been identified as a unique Ethiopian landrace and is prized for elegant, floral, fruit driven flavour profile.
Ripe coffee cherries are hand-picked and sorted, then fermented in five stages. An open air rest starts oxidation, followed by around 50 hours sealed and anaerobic at 16 to 18°C to build sweetness. They are then exposed to oxygen for 60 hours to lift floral esters, before a 70 hour soak in warm water at around 45°C. Then a gentle drying follows, first with mechanical airflow, then under canopy. This multi stage processing along with bold and complex flavour profiles is what Las Flores has become known for.