Colombia - El Vergel / Yellow Bourbon / Anaerobic Natural (Green Coffee) 1KG

This naturally processed Yellow Bourbon comes from Elias and Shady Bayter at El Vergel Estate in Fresno, Tolima, Colombia, and is one of the standout lots from El Vergel that we always look forward to.

Yellow Bourbon is a naturally occurring mutation of the Bourbon variety, recognised for its yellow fruit at peak ripeness and its potential for exceptional sweetness and cup quality. At El Vergel, it is grown at approximately 1,500 metres above sea level, where the Bayter family have spent years refining their approach to cultivation, fermentation and drying.

The cherries are carefully selected at peak harvest before beginning a controlled 48-hour fermentation in whole cherry. Keeping the fruit intact during this stage allows the fermentation to develop within the cherry, building depth, sweetness and a more expressive fruit character while preserving the structure of the variety.

Following fermentation, the cherries remain whole and are transferred to mechanical silos for approximately eight days of controlled drying. Managing the drying environment allows moisture to be removed gradually and consistently, helping stabilise the coffee while continuing to develop the rich sweetness and fruit character associated with the natural process.

Once the desired moisture content is reached, the dried coffee is placed into GrainPro bags and rested for approximately 35 days. This stabilisation period allows moisture within the seed to equalise before the coffee is milled and prepared for export.

This is a style of coffee that El Vergel has really mastered. The processing brings plenty of character and energy to the cup while remaining balanced and composed, allowing the sweetness and fruit qualities of Yellow Bourbon to remain at its core.

As a green coffee, it's an expressive and highly enjoyable lot with plenty for the roaster to work with — vibrant fruit, generous sweetness and a rounded structure that can be developed in a number of directions.

It's one we consistently enjoy from El Vergel, and a great example of just how well the Bayter family understand natural processing.

Expected flavour profile: Ripe yellow fruits, caramel and spice.