Espresso: Colombia Huila La Piragua Natural Striped Bourbon

Primavera Coffee advised us to take this coffee, so we took it! Sometimes good things come to us and this is one of those coffees I’ve been eyeing since it was on the offer list. Striped Bourbon is a natural mutation from Red Bourbon, having light stripes around the surface of the cherry. Expect fruity notes like blackberries or strawberry acidity, with a wine gum and maple syrup finish.

Arley Vargas continues his family’s legacy at La Piragua, working alongside his father, Alexander Vargas. Sharing his father’s deep passion for exceptional coffee, he is equally committed to sustainability, integrating regenerative farming practices that protect both quality and the environment for future generations.

To ensure optimal flavor, Arley carefully monitors Brix levels, harvesting the coffee at peak ripeness. He employs a meticulous double fermentation process—first, a 72-hour oxidized fermentation, followed by a 98-hour anaerobic fermentation in barrels equipped with degassing valves. The coffee is then dried in sheds for 15 to 20 days, ensuring a consistently high-quality cup.

The Striped Red Bourbon, is a naturally occurring variant of the Bourbon that is popular in Latin America. This coffee variety is easy to distinguish due to its red color highlighted with orange stripes.