SMOOTHIE: Colombia Anaerobic Honey

Smoothie is back for it's fourth year in a row. And this years version is oh so smooth!

“The show will go on, as I perform,
Transformin' on stage like a Decepticon,
But I'm not animated like a cartoon,
I'm for real, shooting lyrics like a harpoon,
Across the crowd, the listeners, the spectators
So let's groove with the SMOOTH operator”
- Big Daddy Kane, Smooth Operator

This tropical fruit-forward gem is crafted by Julio Madrid and Andrés Quiceno at Hacienda La Riviera in Risaralda, Colombia. Its velvety smooth texture is reminiscent of an airy milkshake, unlike anything else we’ve experienced.

As in previous years, this coffee stood out in every cupping round with its vibrant character and unforgettable smoothie-like profile. 

Tasting Notes: Mango, Ripe Banana, Lychee, S'mores, Raspberry, Date Syrup

Cup Score: 88.75 ☕

Smoothie is part of the LOCO series lineup. The goal of this series is to shine a clear spotlight on coffees produced in Colombia that showcase a level of innovation rarely seen elsewhere. These exceptional offerings push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in coffee processing. 

* This version of Smoothie is specifically roasted for Filter. We also have a different version of Smoothie for Espresso *

ABOUT LA RIVIERA

La Riviera Farm, operated by Julio César Madrid and Andrés Julio Quiceno, is a standout coffee estate nestled in the Risaralda region of Colombia, near the Los Nevados Natural National Park. This 40-hectare farm sits at elevations between 1600 and 1900 meters, offering ideal conditions for cultivating over 19 exotic coffee varieties, including Purple Caturra and Sudan Rume.

The duo is known for their innovative processing techniques, such as natural and submerged fermentation methods, which yield coffees with vibrant flavor profiles—think cocoa nibs, honey, pomegranate, and lavender. Their pioneering work also includes introducing the unique Catiopia hybrid to the region, blending Ethiopian heirloom florals with Castillo’s bright acidity. La Riviera is part of Café UBA, an alliance of three farms dedicated to sustainable and high-quality coffee production.

ABOUT SMOOTHIE

Smoothie is another one of the extremely unique coffees we have come across, due to the unique Honey Culturing, Anaerobic processing method utilized by Andrés Quiceno at La Riviera.

The Honey Culturing, Anaerobic process involves using fermentation starters and the unique natural flavors that come from fruits and aromatic plants.

New sensory profiles have been developed by mixed fermentations between the starters and traditional coffee fermentation processes.

TRANSPARENCY REPORT

☠️ Single Origin from Colombia

☠️ Region: Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda

☠️ Producer: Julio Madrid and Andrés Quiceno

☠️ Farm: La Riviera

☠️ Roast: Light/medium

☠️ Brew: Filter

☠️ Varietal: Castillo

☠️ Process: Anaerobic honey

☠️ Tasting notes:

• Mango
• Ripe Banana
• Lychee
• S'mores
• Raspberry
• Date Syrup

☠️ Altitude: 1700 masl

☠️ Whole bean