a·nom·a·lous
deviating from what is standard, normal or expected.
Santiago Caro
Though still in his twenties, Santiago is producing some of the most exciting Chiroso in Urrao, which transitively makes it some of the most exciting anywhere. Santiago's father, Jose Arcadio, first planted Chiroso in 2012 after acquiring seeds from the Godmother herself, Doña Carmen; not yet realizing the cultivar's immense qualitative potential, the initial impetus was actually a more productive yield. Santiago has now joined his father in the management of Finca La Falda and brings to the table an advanced understanding of processing.
Urrao
Historically a region known more for "volume-based" coffee (converse to its southern neighbors) the rise of Chiroso has served to change that. Now more or less a region synonymous with quality, a whole subset of producers have been positioned to potentially benefit. After speaking with Santiago and my good friends at Unblended, it strikes me that there is a unique air of the familial in this place - an inspiring embodiment of the "rising tide" adage.
Chiroso
Initially misidentified as a descendant of Caturra and Bourbon, thus garnering the names "Bourbon Chiroso" and "Caturra Chiroso," we have since learned that this enchanting cultivar is in fact not linked to either but is rather a transplant of Ethiopian landrace. It skyrocketed to recognition after Doña Carmen won Cup of Excellence with it in 2014, firmly affixing both the cultivar and its primary growing region of Urrao to the proverbial shortlist. This particular selection was harvest at peak ripeness, then fermented in-cherry for 24 hours. It was then pulped and fermented in stainless tanks for five days before being fully washed and dried on raised beds.
BREW METHODS
Kalita Wave 155
Pre-soak filter. Add 17g of coffee, ground medium-fine (12 or 13 on Virtuoso) Slowly pour 34g of just-boiled water. Gently swirl, and bloom for :45. Continuing pouring, slowly and circularly...
AeroPress (Inverted)
Seal the plunger into the base and set upside down. Add 17g coffee, ground medium to medium-fine (similar to V60). Pour 40g of water. Swirl briskly to saturate all grind....
Hario V60 (size 02)
Place and pre-soak your Hario 02 filter. Add 28g of coffee, ground medium-fine (around 12 on the Baratza Virtuoso). Make a small divot in the center of the grind. Slowly pour...