Colombia — José Peña Los Naranjos Chiroso (Washed)

Tastes Like — 🍋 Yellow Tropical Fruit • 🍓 Candied Strawberry • 🌿 Hops

DETAILS

• Producer: José Peña
• Farm: Los Naranjos
• Region: Urrao, Colombia
• Varietal: Chiroso
• Process: Washed

INTRO

A debut lot from José Peña at Los Naranjos in Urrao — a region and variety combination that continues to redefine what Colombian coffee can be. Chiroso from Urrao has become one of the most compelling conversations in specialty coffee, and this washed expression from José Peña is a vivid illustration of why. In the cup: yellow tropical fruit, candied strawberry, and an unexpected hops character that sets it apart.

THE PRODUCER

José Peña farms Los Naranjos in Urrao, a municipality in the western Andes of Antioquia that has emerged as one of Colombia's most exciting new frontiers for specialty coffee. Urrao's high altitude, distinct microclimate, and strong tradition of Chiroso cultivation have attracted the attention of leading roasters worldwide, and the diversity of flavour profiles emerging from the region continues to broaden the conversation around Colombian coffee quality and potential.

Chiroso is an elongated, Typica-like variety found primarily in Colombia's Antioquia and Eje Cafetero regions. Closely associated with vibrant tropical fruit notes and a naturally expressive aromatic profile, it thrives at altitude and responds exceptionally well to careful washed processing — which strips back the processing to allow the variety's intrinsic character to speak with full clarity.

THE PROCESS

The Washed process at Los Naranjos involves:

🍒 Hand-picking — Chiroso cherries selectively harvested at peak ripeness 🔍 Sorting — Defective and underripe cherries removed before processing 🔧 Pulping — Outer skin and fruit flesh removed from the beans 🧪 Fermentation — Beans fermented to break down remaining mucilage 💧 Washing — Thoroughly washed to remove all fermentation residue ☀️ Drying — Dried to optimal moisture content, preserving clarity and structure

The meticulous washing and fermentation management is the defining step — by removing all fruit influence, the process allows the intrinsic character of the Chiroso variety and the distinct terroir of Urrao to express themselves with full transparency and precision.

THE CUP

A vivid and expressive washed Chiroso from one of Urrao's most promising producers — yellow tropical fruit brightness, playful candied strawberry sweetness, and a distinctive hoppy character that makes this lot genuinely unlike anything else from the region. A compelling first chapter from Los Naranjos.

Flavour Notes

🍋 Yellow Tropical Fruit 🍓 Candied Strawberry 🌿 Hops