Sebastian Ramirez - Watermelon

MEET THE PRODUCER | Sebastián Ramírez is a fourth-generation coffee producer who began as a traditional grower over twelve years ago, but he soon started exploring the nuances of fermentation and today is regarded as a master of processes like co-fermentation and carbonic maceration. His mission is to make coffee both accessible and exciting, and Sebastián champions those efforts both in his processing endeavors and as a mentor for the Young Producer Program. Both Sebastián and his coffees can be accurately described as "anything but ordinary," and this watermelon co-ferment adaptation is one of our favorite iterations of that moniker. 

TRUST THE PROCESS | Unlike other co-fermented coffees we've featured in the past, this one uses not just fruit, but also wine yeast and fruit glucose, during the fermentation process. The wine yeast is the first to arrive at the party, mingling with the freshly picked and sorted coffee cherries during 120 hours of anaerobic fermentation. Next, the coffee cherries are de-pulped before being subjected to an additional 72 hours of anaerobic fermentation, this time alongside dehydrated watermelon, fruit glucose, and a little CO2 injection (because, Sebastián just can't help himself). Finally, the coffee is removed to special structures called marquesinas for drying. These special drying vessels are held at constant temperature (40 degrees Celsius) and humidity (25%) with round-the-clock monitoring until the lot reaches optimal and even moisture content, or about 20 days. 

TAKE A SIP | We already know what you're probably thinking: why release a watermelon co-fermented coffee during the holidays? Turkeys have been purchased, halls are being decked, and Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé are making their brief but highly anticipated return to our Spotify sessions as we speak. 

Listen, we get it. But, hear us out for a moment. Nevermind the fact that processing timelines and shipping schedules prevented us from getting this coffee into your hands during the warmer summer months... we think this is actually the perfect time to release an unapologetically summer coffee - because sometimes, you just need a break from the cold.

With a flavor profile that reminds us of watermelon margaritas and rosé, this co-fermented coffee does precisely that. It's really fun, pretty intense, and perfect for forgetting that it might very well snow next week. Aside from the obvious watermelon nod, this cup also features pink and yellow fruit notes prominently, such as cantaloupe and peaches. It also has a really vibrant acidity, like orange zest. And, hey - this is the perfect coffee release for our friends in Australia and other parts of the southern hemisphere, who are just starting to usher in all things warm and summery alongside their holiday festivities. Cheers.

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Origin | Quindío, Colombia

Producer | Sebastián Ramírez

Farm | Finca El Placer

Process | Co-ferment

Variety | Castillo

Elevation | 1700 - 1800 masl