La Esmeralda - Huila, Colombia

The farm La Esmeralda, is located in the municipality of Pitalito in Huila at 1800 meters above sea-level. The finca is owned and operated by Alexander Hernandez, his wife and their 4 children. They have 12 hectares of coffee and grow varieties such as Caturra, F6 and Castillo. They are Rainforest certified. 

PROCESSING

Each cherry is handpicked and meticulously inspected to ensure only the finest quality fruits are used, eliminating impurities such as leaves and stones. The cherries then undergo a 24-hour aerobic pre-fermentation in their natural state. This step begins to develop the coffee’s vibrant flavor complexity, enhancing its potential for floral and tropical fruit notes.

After pre-fermentation, the cherries are depulped, separating the coffee beans from their outer layers. The beans then enter an anaerobic fermentation phase, lasting 50 hours in sealed plastic tanks. This controlled environment creates the ideal conditions for the beans to absorb sugars and organic compounds, intensifying their flavor profile with notes of caramel, tropical fruits, and citric brightness.

Drying is achieved through a mixed-method approach. The coffee is first placed on African raised beds for five days, allowing it to dry naturally under controlled conditions. Following this, the beans are transferred to mechanical dryers for eight hours to ensure consistency and precision in achieving the desired moisture content. This combination of traditional and modern drying techniques preserves the coffee's intricate characteristics while locking in its unique attributes.

The final step is a 30-day stabilization period in GrainPro bags. During this time, the coffee’s flavors mature and harmonize, ensuring a well-balanced and refined cup. Stabilization also helps maintain optimal moisture levels, safeguarding the beans' quality for transport and roasting.

This coffee has been imported by the team at Forest Coffee. 

Tasting Notes: Caramel, hazelnut, tropical fruits, floral

Origin: Finca La Esmeralda - Huila, Colombia 

Producer: Alexander Hernandez 

Altitude: 1800 masl

Cultivar: Caturra

Process: 24-hour aerobic fermentation