Jairo Arcila - (48hr Washed Mango Co-ferment, Castillo) SCA: 88

Origin: Colombia 

Farm: Santa Monica 

Varietal: Castillo

Altitude: 1500 MASL

Certification: Micro-Lot

Process: 48hr Washed, Mango Co-ferment

Cup Score: 88

Mango Cheesecake & Tropical Fruits 

Industry leading for his fun fruit co-ferments, Jairo is back with new fruits, protocols and experiments for 2026. Like nothing else - this remarkably balanced mango-pulp Castillo from his latest crop is vibrant, with a creamy, unmistakable mango character. By moving beyond the inherent limits of terroir and variety, this progressive method amplifies and expands the design space of the coffee profile.

Process

For this lot, only the ripest cherries were harvested. The cherries are transported to our La Pradera processing center in special tanks to preserve freshness.

Once cherries arrive in La Pradera, they’re floated in water tanks to remove any low- density beans or foreign materials. The water used in this stage is recycled for additional batches and, once no longer suitable for use, is filtered through a series of specialized tanks before being irrigated into vetiver grass beds and released as oxygen. This sustainable filtration system ensures that no contaminated water is discharged, maintaining our commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Then, the cherries undergo a dry anaerobic 48-hour fermentation, during this stage, mango pulp is added to the fermentation tanks. The mango adds tropical sweetness and a juicy character to the coffee. Mango contributes to create a lively flavor profile, with notes of ripe mango, peach, and a delicate sweetness.

Following fermentation, the cherries are pulped and thoroughly washed to remove the mucilage. The wastewater generated during our washed process is then treated using our green filtration system. This system filters the water through a series of specialized tanks before irrigating it into vetiver grass beds. Through this natural filtration process, the water is purified and released as oxygen. 

As a result, no contaminated water is discharged from our processing center, ensuring an environmentally sustainable operation.

Once coffees are washed, they are spread out in our elbas drying station. The cherries are carefully monitored and turned regularly to ensure uniform drying and to prevent over- fermentation or mold.

Drying continues until the cherries reach an ideal moisture content of 9.5% –11%, which is the perfect point for us.

Producer

Jairo Arcila is a 63 year old third generation coffee grower in Quindio, Colombia. He first worked as a mill manager for Colombia’s second largest exporter for over 40 years, and managed to earn a supplemental income alongside this full-time job.

Jairo started growing coffee 35 years ago when his father got very sick and could not manage his farm anymore. After a few years Jairo managed to purchase his own land and continues growing coffee until today.

He is married to Luz Helena Salazar, a now renowned coffee producer in her own right, they had two children together: Carlos and Felipe Arcila who also produce their own coffee lots and are the co-founders of Cofinet.

Farm

Finca Maracay and Santa Móinca sits at 1450 masl, and has been owned by the Arcila family since 1990. 

Jairo purchased his first coffee farm, Finca La Esmeralda, in 1987 where he planted his first Caturra lot. Using his savings Jairo slowly managed to purchase five additional farms. First Villarazo, then Mazatlan, Santa Monica, Maracay and Buenos Aires. During harvest time he is able to provide much needed jobs to locals, which has a significant economic impact on their community.

With the help of his 2 sons, Jairo has improved picking, sorting, and the processing of his coffee and also now grows exotic varieties like Pink Bourbon, Papayo and Geisha across all his farms.