Jairo Arcila Santa Monica (Lychee)

Jairo Arcila Santa Monica Armenia Quindío Colombia, Arabica Pink Bourbon, Honey, Lychee Maceration with Wine Yeast, 2024

Floral | Lychee | Apple | Caramel | Lime 

Jairo Arcila is getting famous for making fruit maceration coffees in his Santa Monica and Finca Villarazo. Since we started featuring his coffees in 2021, we have carried strawberry, mandarin, orange, passion fruit, cinnamon, banana and now lychee. The technique for fruit maceration differ from cinnamon maceration. Lychee maceration is similar to strawberry maceration. We roast and brew similarly for such coffees.

This micro-lot is 100% Pink Bourbon. This varietal is currently under research in order to determine its origin. It is said that it is a mutation that took place at 2100m in San Adolfo, Huila. Even in ideal growing conditions, Pink Bourbon is challenging to cultivate. In addition to meticulous plant maintenance, farmers must isolate their crops to encourage successful cross-pollination and the ongoing production of pink fruit. Harvesting also requires extra diligence: coffee pickers look for subtle color nuances that separate under-ripe cherries from mature ones. Given all the variables that need to align, this lot is elegant and balanced with sweet floral tones.

The intense lychee aroma immediately impresses on us, with an overlay of flowers and lime, ending with caramel in a long lingering finish.

We wrote a blog post on this coffee in 2022. In June 2024, we wrote another blog post to reflect on evolving trends which include maceration coffees.

Savouring our world in a cup!
Enjoy!