This is an exclusive offering for 09.23.2023 Fellow Drops. If you are unaware of what Fellow Drops is, then click here for more information.

The coffee isn't the only thing exclusive about this project. The packaging is also. The bags are carbon compensated packaging and fully recyclable.

Los Altiplanos Java

Producer: Ricardo Cuadra

Origin: Jinotega, Nicaragua

Process-type: Washed

Varietal: Java

Cup: Delicate, Clean, Tea-like, Honeysuckle, White Tea, Melon, Lemongrass

Ricardo Cuadra's family has been working in coffee for over 100 years. In 2006, Ricardo had the opportunity to purchase his own farm which he named "Los Altiplanos de Datanli".

Ricardo describes his farm as a "mysterious and hidden place" with unparalleled climate, landscape, and ecology that enchanted him from first sight. Tucked in the mountains of Cerro Datanli - El Diablo Nature Reserve, Los Altiplanos enjoys a tropical cloud forest climate, rich volcanic soils, high elevations, an abundance of natural resources, and a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Ricardo cultivated these special lands with special varietals. He knew that the enchantment of this place would transmit to the coffee produced here much like it had invaded him.

This is a Java lot. The Java cultivar is tall with bronze tipped leaves, long pointed seeds, and high cup quality potential. It is a varietal selection from an Ethiopian landrace population called "Abysinia" introduced to the island of Java by the Dutch in the early 19th century. In the mid-20th century, it was taken to Cameroon and after 20 years of selection it made it to Central America. Known for its delicate, tea-like, and even floral characteristics, we feel that this washed processed lot from Los Altiplanos offers us a clean look at a great expression of this special varietal and terroir.

The cup is super nice and pleasant. It is delicate, elegant, and tea-like with florals, nice vibrancy, and fruited notes in the cooling cup. Floral tones are like honeysuckle and bee pollen. Tea impressions are reminiscent of oolong and white teas. Fruited notes suggest honeydew and Canary melon along with cape gooseberry. Lemon to lemongrass-like citrus notes. Very nice, lingering finish.

The cup definitely changes a lot from hot cup to cool cup. We find the cooling cup and cool cup to be most expressive. We also found this coffee to perform well over different brew methods. We felt pour-over gives the best look at this coffee, but we certainly feel like it is worth it to check out aeropress, french press, espresso, and whatever other methods might be available to you. Brew guides below. Enjoy!

Check out: brew guides