Description
A very fruit forward and floral cup of coffee! A stellar example if you like the slow dried natural process. Although it is a Colombian coffee this is not for you traditional Colombian fans. Very unique tastes in this offering. If you enjoy coffees like Ethiopian Naturals, Indo Bali Kintamani, Zambia Natural, this will be right down your alley. One will see pretty two-toned roasting with it and very fruit forward winy/floral/fruity tones.
Manos Juntas is a micromill in Sotara area of Colombia’s Cauca region, operated and managed by Banexport. The entire concept of this micromill is based on simplifying tasks and responsibilities, for both producers and export companies.
This particular offering was first purchased in its cherry form when delivered to the mill by eight local producers, on the day of harvest. Upon arrival, the Brix and pH were recorded, and the cherries were placed in large hermetic tanks for a five-day-long anaerobic fermentation. After this, the cherries were taken to raised beds under a parabolic dryer to begin their 30-day process of slowly drying.
Processing coffee is half the battle for small scale farmers, which is why Banexport decided to establish Manos Juntas Micromill, in which they purchase cherries from producers and manage the processing, drying, and storage themselves. This model allows producers to focus on healthy production of specialty coffee, while the meticulous work of sorting, processing, drying, and storing is managed by Banexport’s team.
Tasting Notes: A very fruit forward and floral exotic Colombian. All sorts of cool unique flavors can be found in this cup from the slow dry natural processing and boutique fermentation. The brighter tones tend to range from a lemon citric component at the lighter roasts to strong stone fruit in the medium roast range. The acidity is pretty high at the lighter roasts but mellows greatly at a strong medium to dark roast. The balance of the cup comes from an almost cola-like tone that turns a bit nuttier into the darker roasts. Medium bodied, super clean with some far from traditional Colombian tones.
Roasting Notes: A great cup at most roast levels. Avoid extreme light or dark roasts, it can be a little too bright at very light roasts and a little too bitter at super dark roasts but is a tasty treat anywhere in between. High chaff and uneven roasting. Make sure everything is through first crack before cooling. If in doubt, look for the first pop of 2nd crack and hit cool, this will ensure that everything is through first crack and will give a nice rich cup.
Glenn Squires (verified owner) –
This is good stuff – it has replaced the Bali Kintamani as my favorite natural. The Bali has gotten too refined – it has lost that “wild” edge that I look for in the natural processed coffees. Just ordered 3 more pounds (that makes 10 pounds) of this; now I don’t have to ration it out as much and should have enough to last me until early summer.
Christopher Ferrara (verified owner) –
Very tricky to roast but a fantastic bean, somewhat unusually best at a darker roast where it explodes with the unmistakable flavor of Fruity Pebbles (yes, really.) I’ve struggled to achieve that same intensity of flavor with later roasts but I’m still happy with the results.
The weight loss is much higher than any other bean, around 16% even when dropped while first crack is still tapering off. It roasts extremely two-toned at first but evens out mostly about halfway through the roast. I definitely recommend following Burman’s recommendations on roasting darker to ensure everything is through FC; you will not be disappointed. You will not end up with any boring roasty notes, but instead incredibly jammy and sweet cooked fruit flavors.
Great as filter and espresso, I’ve noticed I have to grind much finer than any other bean for espresso though. Highly recommend it black, but it is excellent as an espresso milk drink too, and it gives you the bizarre sensation that you’re drinking excellent coffee flavored with the leftover milk from a bowl of crunchberries or fruity pebbles.
If you are looking for a wild, super sweet fruit bomb at a great price, this is it.
Mike Thompson –
First roast absolutely delicious. Just grinding it will be a shock. I overcooked it, but unlike some, it was still fruity and sweet.