Colombia – Natural / Thermal Shock + Anaerobic Fermentation / Yellow Bourbon (Peñas Blancas)
Colombia – Natural / Thermal Shock + Anaerobic Fermentation / Yellow Bourbon (Peñas Blancas)
Sparkling, tropical, and candy-sweet, this Natural Yellow Bourbon from Peñas Blancas in Acevedo, Huila is one of the most vibrant profiles we have tasted from the region.
The cup opens with a lively cherry soda character, followed by layered tropical fruit, delicate floral aromatics, and a refreshing lemon–lime finish. A coating, candy-like sweetness ties everything together. This lot earns its place in our Reserve line for its clarity, structure, and expressive fruit identity.
Producer: Peñas Blancas
Variety: Yellow Bourbon
Process: Natural / Thermal Shock + Anaerobic Fermentation
Altitude: 1,750 m.a.s.l.
Roast Level: Light
Tasting Notes: Cherry Soda, Tropical Fruit, Floral, Lemon–Lime, Candy-Like Sweetness
Package Size: 8.8 oz (250 g)
Category: Reserve
Availability: Limited Release
Producer & Origin
Produced at Peñas Blancas in Acevedo, Huila at 1,750 meters, this Yellow Bourbon lot showcases the region’s ability to highlight clean fruit expression through advanced processing. Yellow Bourbon originated in Minas Gerais, Brazil in the 1930s and is known for its bright yellow cherries and naturally sweet cup profile. When grown at high elevation and processed with precision, it delivers a vibrant, juicy structure with floral and citrus accents.
The Peñas Blancas team specializes in controlled fermentation and micro-lot separation, pairing scientific discipline with sensory intention. This lot is harvested between 22 and 26 Brix, a sweetness level that sets the stage for its fruit-saturated character.
Processing
This coffee undergoes a multi-stage natural process built around thermal shock and prolonged fermentation to maximize aromatic intensity and maintain a clean finish.
Thermal Shock: Cherries are exposed to 55°C water for 30 minutes to disinfect and remove impurities
Anaerobic Fermentation: 72 hours in sealed plastic tanks
Submerged Anaerobic Stage: Additional 24 hours
Drying:
2 days of solar drying
36 hours of mechanical drying
Finished to <11.5 percent moisture
The result is a cup that is dynamic, fruit-forward, and structurally balanced, with the sparkling character Yellow Bourbon is celebrated for.
About Yellow Bourbon
Discovered in Brazil in the 1930s, Yellow Bourbon is recognized for its bright yellow cherries, high sweetness, and naturally fruity profile. When grown at high elevations, it delivers vibrant acidity and layered fruit notes.
About Peñas Blancas
Located in Acevedo, Peñas Blancas is known for precision-controlled fermentation, micro-lot separation, and advanced processing techniques. Their focus on thermal shock, anaerobic environments, and staged drying produces coffees with exceptional clarity.
Recommended Brew Guide (V60)
Dose: 18g medium grind
Water: 325g at 206°F
Ratio: 18:1
Pour: 30g → 100g → 100g → 95g
Total Brew Time: About 3:00
(Grind coarser to speed up, finer to extend brew time.)
