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CITRUS, MANGO, MAPLE SYRUP
The third Chiroso of the year, phenomenal coffee, and like the last lot, it’s from Jairo Arcila. If you’ve not had a Chiroso before, it’s quite a rare varietal quickly gaining in popularity (especially in coffee competitions) for it’s sweet and complex cup profile, not that dissimilar to a Gesha, but with a more heavy and herbaceous body.
In the cup here, it’s bursting with tropical fruit and mango but wrapped up in a lovely lingering maple syrup finish. If you liked the previous lots of Chiroso, grab this.
Roasted fairly light but the body really elevates it in an espresso, you can brew this every which and way. I’m reaching for this bean over all of my fancy processing lots at the minute. Enjoy. Joel.
THE COFFEE ITSELF
Chiroso’s story begins in the high-altitude coffee-growing region of Urrao, in the department of Antioquia, Colombia. where it emerged as a natural mutation. For years, it was cultivated by local farmers who appreciated its adaptability to the cool climate and its consistent yields. However, it wasn’t until its success in prestigious coffee competitions like the Cup of Excellence, where it has claimed top awards multiple times, that Chiroso gained international recognition. Its ability to thrive in cooler temperatures and produce a complex, high-quality cup profile has made it a favourite among coffee professionals and farmers alike.
Initially, Chiroso was believed to be a mutation of the Caturra variety due to its similar morphological traits, such as its short stature and light green leaves. However, recent genetic studies have revealed a surprising connection to Ethiopian landrace varieties. This genetic link to Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, adds an intriguing layer to Chiroso’s story and helps explain its distinctive characteristics. Chiroso’s trees are compact and well-suited to high-altitude farming, making them easier to manage and harvest. The variety is also known for its high yield and tolerance to cooler temperatures, which are common in the high-altitude regions of Antioquia. These traits make it a practical choice for farmers, while its exceptional cup quality ensures it stands out in the competitive specialty coffee market.