We don’t usually buy spot coffee. In fact, outside of our longstanding relationships with Diego and Elias in Huila, we rarely even taste other Colombian lots. But this Java from El Vergel Estate stopped us in our tracks. We have a soft spot for the varietal. Just ask anyone who has tried our La Venus release from Nicaragua. When we cupped this one, we knew we had to make an exception. Grown by the Bayter family in Tolima, this is the first time they have applied a carbonic maceration process to their Java trees. It involves 96 hours of fermentation in a high pressure CO₂ environment, followed by 25 days of drying and a long resting period before milling. The result is a tropical, juicy cup with clarity and structure that sits right up there with the best we have tasted. Expect flavours of Pinot Gris, crisp watermelon and sweet Jazz apple. Java is still uncommon in Colombia, but in the hands of the right producers it sings. The Bayter family has spent years turning El Vergel into a playground for experimentation, from Koji fermentation to carefully developed natural processes. This lot is the kind of coffee that reminds us why we chase flavour and not just familiarity. We might not stray often, but when we do, it is for coffees like this.

ESPRESSO
Dose: 21     Yield: 47    Time: 27 secs
Ratio: 2.2     Roast Date: +7
Notes: Wahwahweewah, this coffee is crazy yum. Tastes like dancing in the roastery whilst no one is watching. So much to give, you could probable down dose or up yield, or both. You're going to have a good time regardless.
- Alisha, 07 May 2025