Melao Decaf Pink Bourbon - Colombia

Melao Pink Bourbon Sugarcane Decaf - Colombia 

Honeycomb, Raspberry Ruffle, Meringue

Producers: Various Smallholders in southern Huila 
Country: Colombia
Region: Huila
Variety: Pink Bourbon
Process: Washed & Sugarcane EA Decaffeination
Altitude: 1500-1750 masl

Pink Bourbon has become a staple of Colombia in recent years, standing out for its consistently sweet profile. This sweetness is reminiscent of what Colombians know as 'Melao,' a syrup made from melted panela and water, used to sweeten desserts. In this way, Pink Bourbon is like a dessert in a cup, full of sweetness and character.

This variety is widely spread in the southern part of the department of Huila and is now making its way north and into other departments. According to producers, Pink Bourbon originated on a farm in the “vereda” of San Adolfo in the municipality of Acevedo, Huila. There, the plant began to exhibit unique traits, such as its famous pinkish hue with stripes when ripe. When cupped, it revealed a distinctive, unique, and consistent profile, which led to its growing popularity. From the original farm, seedlings were sold to other producers and, in some cases, gifted to friends.

Many coffee producers in Huila have planted Pink Bourbon over the past 10 years, as it consistently produces high-quality cups regardless of the processing method (washed, honey, or natural). It has adapted well to climatic changes and has not been significantly affected by pests and diseases such as leaf rust, maintaining a good production yield.

Several DNA studies have shown that Pink Bourbon is closely related to an Ethiopian landrace, though the exact details remain unspecified. The name "Pink Bourbon" became popular because early producers thought the tree resembled a Bourbon variety and noted its distinct pink hue. The name stuck and is now widely recognised.

The coffee producers of the south of Huila are mostly second-generation, with some third generation and a few first-generation farmers. Coffee is both a passion and a business for them, which is why they continually seek to improve the quality of their coffee to achieve better prices. Many of these producers have experimented with different fermentation times, vessels in which the coffee is fermented, and other techniques. They also introduce new varieties to consistently achieve better results and ensure quality. This is why they have decided to introduce Pink Bourbon to their farms. Some of the producers in the south of Huila originally come from other areas of Colombia, such as Cauca, Nariño, and Caquetá. They arrived in Huila looking for better opportunities and started working with coffee, which is one of the biggest agricultural activities in the region.

For most of them, work on the farm involves help from the family. For example, the wife might help keep records of what is paid to cherry pickers and the coffee sold. A few of the producers live in town but have someone in charge of managing the daily tasks on the farm.

The producers of the south of Huila are passionate about what they do, constantly learning, and looking to improve day by day. There is easy access to knowledge in the form of workshops and neighbours. Melao is a way of highlighting their effort, passion, and history.

The coffee is then processed at the Descafecol plant in Manizales. The decaffeination process at this plant uses ethyl acetate derived 100% from sugar cane mixed with mountain water, together removing 99.7% of the caffeine present. When the coffee is received, it is first conditioned using water and steam. This elevates the moisture content and swells the seeds to facilitate the extraction of caffeine. At this point, the coffee is washed in ethyl acetate which dissolves the caffeine. The beans are then cleaned with water, followed by steam, and finally, are dried until they reach a stable moisture content. This method avoids excessive heat or pressure, which can radically disrupt a green bean's cellular structure.

Grind: If you need your coffee ground, select on the dropdown. Let us know in the "Special Instructions" if there is any other specific brew method you need the coffee ground for.