Colombia La Esmeralda | Pink Bourbon Semi-Washed

$30.95
Size: 12oz
A juicy, citrus-kissed Pink Bourbon that puts Colombia’s vibrancy front and center.

Colombia La Esmeralda Semi-Washed Pink Bourbon is our final Colombia release of 2025 — and a standout way to close the year. Produced by Norbey Quimbayo at his award-winning farm, La Esmeralda, this lot showcases the expressive potential of Pink Bourbon through thoughtful farming and a nuanced semi-washed process.

In the cup, expect a bright, playful profile with strawberry lemonade, grapefruit, and key lime pie. While undeniably lively and fruit-forward, the cup remains beautifully balanced, with florals and developed sugars rounding out the acidity. It’s a coffee that feels both refreshing and refined, offering complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Size: 12oz

THE DETAILS —

Strawberry Lemonade, Grapefruit, and Key Lime Pie

Semi-Washed

Acevedo, Huila

Norbey Quimbayo, La Esmeralda

Pink Bourbon

Pink Bourbon under a magnifying glass — bright, juicy, and beautifully complex.

ABOUT THE COFFEE

IN FOCUS: Colombia La Esmeralda

Producer & Farm
La Esmeralda is a family-run farm located in Acevedo, Huila, led by Norbey Quimbayo alongside his wife and two children. The 12-hectare property devotes roughly five hectares to coffee, with the remainder planted in plantain, lime, and mandarin. Norbey’s journey began as a coffee picker before purchasing land in 2005; by 2010, he shifted fully into specialty production, planting varieties like Gesha, Papayo, and Pink Bourbon. This transition brought international recognition and premium quality scores for his coffees.

Varietal
Pink Bourbon is a rare Arabica variety known for its pink-colored cherries and vibrant, floral sweetness. While once believed to be a Bourbon mutation, genetic research has traced its lineage back to Ethiopian landraces, adding to its intrigue and desirability among producers and roasters alike.

Processing
This lot uses a carefully controlled semi-washed process. Whole cherries undergo approximately three days of semi-anaerobic fermentation in GrainPro, followed by one to three days of open-tank fermentation in mucilage, with timing adjusted based on weather conditions. The coffee is then quickly washed and dried, leaving behind only the slightest trace of mucilage. The result sits somewhere between an extended washed and a honey process — enhancing clarity while amplifying sweetness and fruit expression.

Cup Profile
The processing acts as a magnifier for Pink Bourbon’s natural qualities, delivering a cup that’s incredibly juicy, citrus-forward, and complex. Notes of strawberry lemonade and grapefruit shine up front, while a tart-sweet key lime pie character carries through the finish. Florals and layered sugars keep the cup composed, offering depth beyond its vibrant first impression.