Brayan Alvear Double Fermentation FW Bourbon Chiroso

Finca Las Palmas, located in Risaralda, has an ideal climate and solid conditions to support diverse varieties, such as Caturra, Castillo, Pink and Red Bourbon, Chiroso, Geisha and Sidra (among others). His focus on innovation and agronomic care has helped the farm build a reputation for unique coffees with high cup scores, especially his micro-lots like this one.

During harvest, Brayan and his team selectively handpick ripe cherries, usually making sure to keep strict separation of varieties. These are floated in water to remove impurities and underripe fruit. The first fermentation takes place in sealed barrels for around 24 hours, allowing for controlled oxidation and initial flavor development. Then, cherry is dry-pulped and placed into fermentation tanks with their mucilage for an additional 48 hours. Once fermentation is complete, parchment is sundried on patios for up to 15 days, depending on climate conditions.

The Huila region is one of the most well-known coffee growing areas of Colombia. The Department of Huila has a population of 1.125 million and is located in the southwest of the country. The capital of the department is Neiva, a city of about 380,000.  

Along with Cauca and Nariño, Huila is one the three departments where the Colombian Massif is located. A massif is a group of mountain ranges and the Colombian Massif, which is known locally as Nudo de Almaguer, provides up to 70% of safe drinking and agricultural water for the Colombian population. 

The Magdalena River, Colombia’s largest river, runs through the region, providing plenty of water for coffee farming and generating (directly and indirectly) up to 86% of Colombia's GDP. The mountain range also features the fertile volcanic soil so typical to the Andean Mountains. 

Bourbon is a specialty coffee darling known for its excellent cup quality and good performance at high altitudes. The variety is susceptible to the major diseases, which can make it difficult to grow. Bourbon traces its heritage back to Yemen. French missionaries introduced Bourbon from Yemen to Bourbon Island (now known as La Reunion) in the early 1700s. Bourbon takes its name from the island where it prospered. Bourbon has had a huge effect on modern coffee varieties as one of the major ascensions for many varieties grown across the world. Today, Bourbon is available in both yellow and red varieties. 

Founded by experienced agricultural trader Vicente Mejía, Clearpath Coffee works with producers in Colombia and exports high quality, sustainable single-origin coffees from smallholders, cooperatives and estates. Clearpath partners with producers to support ethical, sustainable growth through fair prices, direct communication with buyers and building long term relationships with sustainability-minded buyers.