Tasting Notes: Bergamot, Red Currant, Peach

Variety: Geisha

Processing: Washed

Origin: Narino, Colombia

Producers: Luis Fernando Benavides

Altitude: 1900-2100m

This lot of exquisite geisha coffee was grown by Luis Fernando Benavides at Finca Xelaju in the Narino region of Colombia. Narino is an amazing coffee-producing region with many unique characteristics that yield truly special coffees. Due to the steep slopes of the mountains in Narino, warm humid air rises during the day which allows coffee to grow at altitudes unheard of in most other regions - it's common to see coffee growing as high as 2300m. These sharp mountain peaks are the result of years of volcanic activity, leaving the soil rich with phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium that help feed healthy plants and promote ample sugar and acid content in the coffee cherries. There are many places in the world you could grow a Geisha varietal, but in our minds, it's hard to pick a better location than Narino.

The Geisha in question is a beautiful example of the famous cultivar that presents a familiar flavor profile with a surprise twist. The characteristic floral element of Geisha coffee is loosely present in a bergamot note reminiscent of fine Earl Grey tea, and a peachy sweetness fills out the cup's body. We also tasted a red currant tartness that took us by surprise, contributing a punch of acidity and sharpness to this coffee. We don't normally see so much acidity in a cup of Geisha, and we love how it livens up the brew and turns it into something special. Benavides Lot 2 is a treat for the avid taster, we'd love to hear your impressions and how it differs from other Tasting Series selections. Enjoy!