VERY SPECIAL

This is the second year we’ve featured Javier Quintero’s mystifying and rare Bourbon Aruzi lot. Unlike most top-of-the-game green coffee lots, this one came with minimal marketing materials—a brief info card and a handful of blurry images. All the talking was done at the cupping table; its classy flavours and presence blew our minds.

Whether it’s because of Javier’s working precision, the properties of this unknown varietal, or both, its profile is neat and delightful. A single mouthful brings hints of nectarine, berries, caramel and florals. Everything you could want in your coffee cup, and more. Very Special.

ABOUT JAVIER AND HIS FARM

Javier Quintero’s farm is called Buena Vista, and it’s located in Inza, Cauca, Colombia. The coffee grows at ~1600-1700 metres above sea level in volcanic ash soil.

ABOUT THE VARIETAL

Cofinet, the importer, says:

“This variety was discovered in Inza, Cauca when a coffee tree was found to look very different from the typical coffee grown in the region.

This unknown variety had a higher yield and was more resistant. As a result, some farmers began to grow this variety. Subsequently, the seeds were studied by a laboratory in London which found that the genetics and structure were similar to Bourbon Aruzi, a variety grown in Ethiopia.”

We requested more information about any progress in the research, but so far, all we know is that this may be the “Colombian version of the Bourbon Aruzi”.

THE PROCESS

This coffee is harvested following strict ripeness criteria, floated and hand-sorted to remove defects. Cherries are then fermented underwater for 30 hours, followed by the de-pulping stage. The parchment is finally gently washed and dried in a temperature-controlled environment until achieving Javier’s ideal moisture content.

ENJOY

We hope you have a good time brewing and drinking this VS edition—please tell us how it went or if you have any questions!

Remember you can always check our online brew guides and YouTube channel for guidance on several brewing methods—or simply reach out via email.

All the images and information about this coffee and its producers have been kindly shared by the importer, Cofinet, and edited by us, Sample Coffee (unless linked to or credited otherwise).

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Resting your beans inside the sealed bag helps develop peak flavours and acidity.

Learn how long and why you should wait on our brewing window recommendations guide.

Try our step-by-step recipes and videos.

Our recipes are easy to follow and designed to bring the best out of our coffee. Find your favourite method on our brew guides collection or test a new one—and if you have any questions, ask us anytime at [email protected].

 

Sourcing and ingredients

100% Colombian Bourbon Aruzi coffee beans, provided by Cofinet and roasted by us on Gadigal land / Sydney.

Country grade: Unknown ?

Packaging

Bag: ABA Certified home compostable
Label: Recyclable
Valve (on bags larger than 250g): General waste
Coffee ordered online is shipped in a recyclable cardboard box

Brewing this coffee

We recommend brewing this coffee 15–49 days post-roast. If pre-ground, brew as soon as possible. Our advice on storing coffee.

Producer

Javier Quintero

Country

Colombia

Region

Inza

Altitude

1800-2000m above sea level

Varietals

Colombian Bourbon Aruzi

Process

Washed

Harvested

December 2023

Body

Acidity

Tasting notes

Nectarine, blackberry, caramel and floral

Roast style

Omni