COLUMBIA Huila Finca Santa Barbara Geisha Natural Anaerobic
Description
Processing: Natural Anaerobic; SCA Score: 88 pts
Flavor Profile: Notes of tropical fruits, bittersweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and kiwi.
In 2019, producer Jhon Samboni acquired Santa Barbara Farm. His dedication to cultivating and processing high-quality coffee is reflected in his brew—fruity and sweet, with notes of exotic fruits.
When he’s not busy crafting exceptional lots like this one, Jhon delights his YouTube community by performing Vallenato and Norteño, beloved traditional music genres in his region.
The Geisha variety, grown in Colombia, is considered a true gem in the world of specialty coffee. Although its origins trace back to Ethiopia, this variety has been successfully acclimated to Colombia’s mountainous regions, especially Huila, where natural conditions offer an exceptional terroir. Geisha stands out for its rare aromatic elegance: delicate floral notes reminiscent of jasmine or white blossoms intertwine with fruity aromas like peach, mango, and papaya. It’s a complex coffee, with vibrant acidity and refined sweetness, often compared to green tea or vanilla. Because it is so demanding and sensitive, Geisha requires high altitudes, natural shade, and constant care. It’s no surprise that Geisha lots are produced in small quantities and celebrated globally for their finesse.
Natural anaerobic processing adds an extra layer of complexity and character to the coffee. This method involves fermenting whole cherries in sealed tanks without oxygen for several days. In this controlled environment, bacteria and yeasts develop unusual aromatic compounds, enhancing intense and deep flavor profiles. The result is a coffee with personality: explosive notes of tropical fruits, red wine, sweet spices, or chocolate stand out clearly in the cup. It’s a risky technique that requires experience and close monitoring, but when done well, it can transform a special coffee into a truly memorable experience.
The Huila region is one of Colombia’s most renowned coffee-growing areas. The department of Huila has a population of approximately 1.125 million and is located in the southwestern part of the country. Its capital, Neiva, is a city of around 380,000 inhabitants.
Together with the departments of Cauca and Nariño, Huila is home to part of the Colombian Massif. A “massif” is a group of mountain ranges, and the Colombian Massif—known locally as Nudo de Almaguer—provides up to 70% of Colombia’s safe drinking and agricultural water.