Colombia - Jairo Arcila

Description

This naturally processed Sidra from Jairo Arcila is part of Cofinet’s Exotic Series, and it’s a stunner. The cup opens with a nostalgic hit of strawberry and cream chupa chups, sweet, creamy, and playful, balanced by the zesty brightness of mandarine. It’s vibrant yet smooth, with a rich texture and a long, moreish finish.

The cherries were picked at full ripeness and hand-sorted before being dried slowly on raised beds under temperature-controlled conditions. It’s a meticulous approach that really brings out the complexity of Sidra, a unique variety, thought to have originated in Ecuador, and a hybrid of Bourbon and Typica. Known for its layered, fruit-driven character, Sidra is prized for its clarity and sweetness.

Jairo Arcila is a third-generation coffee grower from Quindío. After over 40 years managing one of Colombia’s largest dry mills, he shifted his focus to producing high-quality lots on his own farms. With support from his sons Carlos and Felipe (the founders of Cofinet), Jairo now grows a range of exotic varieties, including Pink Bourbon, Java, Gesha, and Sidra.

We visited Cofinet a couple of summers ago and have had the chance to work with a few of Jairo’s coffees since. They’ve always been outstanding. We even have a naturally processed decaf from him on the menu right now. This Sidra is another great example of the care and precision that goes into his work.