Introduction:This Geisha blend coffee bean from Mont Blanc Estate in Huila, Colombia, features a washed processing method that highlights bright floral and fruity notes, making it ideal for pour over enthusiasts eager to explore the multi-variety expression of a single origin. This article details its growing environment, estate background, and actual flavor profile, along with practical brewing references to help you more fully appreciate the delicate layers of this medium-to-high altitude blend.
Nestled atop hills at around 1,900 meters above sea level, Mont Blanc Estate in Colombia’s Huila region is renowned for its refined washed processing. This coffee bean, named "Hanami," is a Geisha blend combining Geisha, Caturra, and Catuai varieties. The washed process accentuates the bright acidity and rich floral characteristics unique to the Huila area. Upon opening the bag, you’re greeted by the fresh aromas of lemon and orange peel, accompanied by the expansive scent of orange blossom. In the cup, it presents a lively sweet-and-sour profile reminiscent of lemon black tea, while the finish lingers with fruity notes of peach, strawberry, pomelo, and bergamot, plus a smooth sweetness akin to honey. The overall mouthfeel is silky and smooth, with distinct layers and enduring elegance.
Many often wonder: if it’s a blend, why is it still categorized as a single origin coffee? The key lies in the definition of "single origin" — it emphasizes that the beans come from the same region or estate, not necessarily from a single variety. Although this coffee combines three varieties, all are grown at Mont Blanc Estate in Huila, thus meeting the core criteria of single origin coffee, while also showcasing the unique flavor potential of multi-variety collaboration.
Delving into the terroir of the region, Huila Province is located in southern Colombia, at the convergence of the central and eastern ranges of the Andes Mountains, with Pitalito as its central production hub. Local smallholder farmers practice manual harvesting, aided by the high-altitude environment (1,750–1,950 meters), producing specialty coffee that balances a nutty-caramel base with soft berry acidity. In recent years, farmers have enhanced the region's flavor identity through optimized post-harvest processes, and the Hanami bean is one of the representative products of this trend.
Mont Blanc Estate is managed by Rodrigo Sanchez Valencia, whose family legacy dates back to his grandfather’s generation. The estate spans approximately 18 hectares, nestled along the winding mountain roads of Vereda La Torcora. It boasts abundant water resources and well-equipped washed processing facilities, even supporting experimental special washed methods. Most beans are processed using traditional washed methods to ensure purity of flavor, and the Hanami blend follows this tradition, achieving balanced flavor expression through meticulous fermentation and drying processes that harmonize the characteristics of the multiple varieties.
For pour over enthusiasts, it is recommended to use the medium-light roasted Hanami beans with the following parameters: grind size similar to granulated sugar (EK43 setting 8–9), a brew ratio of 1:15, and water temperature controlled at 90–92°C. Begin with a 30-second bloom using 30 grams of water, then proceed with incremental pouring to reach a total of 225 grams. The total extraction time should fall between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes. These parameters help highlight the refreshing acidity akin to lemon black tea, while showcasing the mid-palate aromas of peach and bergamot, and avoiding excessive extraction that could lead to bitterness.
In summary, the Colombian Huila Hanami Geisha Blend presents a flavor profile that is both layered and balanced, thanks to its combination of multiple varieties from a single origin. Whether you’re exploring the characteristics of the Huila region or savoring the refined results of washed processing, this bean is a worthwhile choice for pour over brewing. Understanding its regional background and processing logic will allow you to more deeply appreciate the story and nuances behind each sip.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
