Colombia La Esperanza Bourbon Chiroso washed

Deep in the lush landscapes of southern Huila, in the Palestina region of Colombia, lies Finca La Esperanza—a true embodiment of Colombian coffee culture. Señor Rafael Alfonso Mateus, a fourth-generation coffee grower, tends to this picturesque fifteen-hectare farm, inherited from his father. La Esperanza stands as a testament to the family's deep-rooted coffee-growing tradition. Of the total area, 3 hectares are dedicated to coffee cultivation, while Rafael preserves 4 hectares as a natural reserve. He cares for this protected land with great dedication—as it is vital for both biodiversity and water conservation.

While the farm focuses primarily on traditional coffee varieties, Rafael enjoys experimenting with more exotic ones like Bourbon Chiroso, Pink Bourbon, and Tabi. The farm is divided into separate lots, each contributing to the overall quality of the harvest. The standout of this year's crop is the Chiroso lot—a variety that remains relatively rare in Colombia. The name "Chiroso" comes from a local slang term meaning "elongated," reflecting the shape of both the cherries and the beans. According to some (yet unconfirmed) studies, this variety may have genetic ties to Ethiopian landraces.

Chiroso is known for its sweet and complex flavor, silky mouthfeel, rich floral notes (similar to Gesha but with a slightly herbal touch), and a perfect balance of citrus acidity and sweetness. The result is an elegant, complex cup. The term "Chiroso Imperial" refers to the exceptional flavor profile that emerges from the variety itself, careful cultivation, rich environment, microclimate, and precise post-harvest processing.

Rafael's commitment to quality and innovation led him in 2015 to join the Grupo de Asociación Palestina—a collective of eight partners and about 50 farming families managing a total of 200 hectares of coffee trees. Together with the InConexus organization, the group works to enhance knowledge through training, improve water management, and modernize infrastructure and innovations—whether in the area of varieties or processing. All of this is aimed at elevating the quality of their coffee to new heights.

Rafael looks to the future with the goal of continuously improving the quality and consistency of his coffee's flavor profile. His dedication to both tradition and innovation ensures that Finca La Esperanza will continue to produce exceptional coffees for many years to come.