シトラスフルーツの輝きーーエレガントな発酵の余韻
ブラッドオレンジやメイヤーレモンのバランスの取れたシトラスフルーツの甘さと酸味に、桃やネクタリンのような澄んだ甘さもあり、ほのかな苦味とシトラスの香りが合うことでシトラスIPAのように感じる一面も。淡い色味のキャラメルに似た甘さと少しの苦味を伴う後味があります。
この農園のアナエロビックプロセスは、森の木陰に設置されたタンクの中で、約15度の定温下で長時間発酵させますが、一方でこのウォームアナエロビックプロセスは、直射日光の下にタンクを設置し、約20度で発酵させる手法です。これにより確かな発酵感とエレガントな印象が両立しています。
1821年の独立後、国家の経済発展のためコーヒー栽培に力を入れてきたコスタリカ。1830年代、その中で世界最高品質のコーヒーを目指してアレホ・ヒメネスが創業したのがVolcán Azulです。農園は代々家族に受け継がれ、現在は5代目アレホ・カールがその歴史を守りながら品質向上に取り組んでいます。火山灰由来の肥沃な土壌を活かした栽培に加え、発酵など精製方法の研究を重ね、より良い風味を追求。また1500haの熱帯雨林を保有し自然保護にも取り組み、環境と調和した持続可能なコーヒー生産を続けています。
Bright Citrus Fruits —— Elegant Fermentation Notes
It features a balanced blend of the sweetness and tartness of citrus fruits such as blood oranges and Meyer lemons, alongside the crisp sweetness of peaches and nectarines; the subtle bitterness and citrus aroma combine to give it a character reminiscent of a citrus IPA. The finish offers a sweetness of pale coloured caramel, accompanied by a hint of bitterness.
Whilst this farm’s anaerobic process involves prolonged fermentation at a constant temperature of around 15°C in tanks placed in the shade of the forest, this warm anaerobic process involves placing the tanks in direct sunlight and fermenting at around 20°C. This achieves a balance between a distinct fermented character and an elegant profile.
Since gaining independence in 1821, Costa Rica has focused on coffee cultivation to drive the nation’s economic development. It was against this backdrop in the 1830s that Alejo Jiménez founded Volcán Azul, with the aim of producing the world’s finest coffee. This farm has been passed down through the family for generations, and today, Alejo Karl, the fifth-generation owner, is committed to preserving this heritage whilst striving to improve quality. In addition to cultivation that makes the most of the fertile volcanic ash-derived soil, he has conducted extensive research into processing methods, such as fermentation, in pursuit of superior flavour. Furthermore, this farm owns 1,500 hectares of tropical rainforest and is dedicated to nature conservation, continuing sustainable coffee production in harmony with the environment.
Country Costa Rica
Farm Volcan Azul
Region West Valley
Producer Alejo Castro Kahle
Variety SL28
Process Warm Anaerobic Natural
Altitude 1700masl
Tasting notes Blood orange, Mayer lemon, Pineapple, Nectarine, Citrus IPA, Caramel