THE DETAILS Country: Colombia Producer: Sebastian Ramirez Farm: El Placer Varietal: Pink Bourbon Process: Washed Notes: Raspberry, hibiscus, lavender Mood: Expressive, jubilant, thrilling Genre: Lyrical essays Sebastian Ramirez is a world-renowned producer, having made a name for himself with innovative processing methods. While tasting a few of his offerings, this washed Pink Bourbon stood out for its incredibly distinct, complex, clean and juicy flavor profile. Typically, we cup our coffees within 24 hours after roasting to check for any roast defects and not necessarily for flavor, as the coffee needs to degas for a few more days. In this case, Ramirez’s Pink Bourbon was so expressive that I felt compelled to break protocol and make a pour over immediately. ‘This could be the best coffee of the year,’ I thought to myself. Following a classic washed process, the coffee is depulped soon after picking to remove the fruit. It’s then fermented for 24 to 36 hours, washed clean of any remaining mucilage, and dried to preserve its bright, articulate profile. In the cup we taste raspberries, hibiscus, and a delightful note of lavender.