Introduction:Chiroso coffee claimed the top spot in the multi-variety category at this year’s BOP (Best of Panama) global auction, selling for $488 per kilogram. This rare variety from Colombia has garnered widespread attention for its unique floral and fruity aromas, as well as its rich and full-bodied flavor profile. This article takes you deep into the story behind its discovery, its ideal growing environment, its distinctive flavor characteristics, and how genetic testing confirmed its Ethiopian landrace heritage—offering a comprehensive look at the potential and allure of this exceptional specialty coffee bean.

In recent years, Chiroso has consistently achieved remarkable results in international coffee competitions such as LOD (Land of Diversity) and COE (Cup of Excellence), and this year it truly shined at the BOP global auction by winning the top prize in the multi-variety category with a remarkable price of $488 per kilogram. This premium coffee from Colombia not only stood out in the competition but also attracted significant industry interest due to its unusual appearance and complex flavor profile.

This coffee bean did not come from Colombia’s official breeding programs, but was instead discovered by chance in Urrao, a municipality in Antioquia, northern Colombia. The area lies between 1,800 and 2,200 meters above sea level on the western slope of the central Andes, enjoying abundant water sources, stable humidity, and an average annual temperature of about 19°C. These conditions create a microclimate that is highly suitable for growing specialty coffee, often resulting in beans with distinct regional flavor characteristics.

The farm where Chiroso was discovered originally grew common varieties like Caturra. However, farmers noticed one particular coffee tree that looked significantly different from the others. While its overall appearance resembled Caturra, its beans were closer to those of Bourbon, and most notably, its leaves displayed a disordered arrangement—messy, as if unkempt—which led locals to name it “Chiroso,” meaning “uneven” or “ragged.”

This coffee tree drew attention not only because of its unique appearance but also because it demonstrated stable growth and remarkable yield potential, even under high altitude and low-temperature conditions, along with notable cold resistance. Subsequent cuppings revealed its exceptionally rich layers of flavor and delicate aroma, gradually drawing the focus of both local farmers and international buyers.

Chiroso green beans have a relatively slender and elongated shape. Processing methods that preserve the fruit mucilage (such as honey processing) can further enhance the intensity of its flavors. According to multiple cupping reports, its aroma features a prominent floral base, accompanied by citrus and tropical fruit notes. The acidity is bright yet not overly sharp, with a rich and layered mouthfeel and a clean, long-lasting aftertaste. Some critics have noted that its flavor profile is reminiscent of the renowned and high-priced Geisha, though Chiroso offers an even more substantial body, leaving a lasting impression.

Interestingly, this coffee was long mistaken for a natural mutation of either Caturra or Bourbon, and in some competitions, it even competed under the name “Caturra Chiroso.” It wasn’t until the 2021 COE competition that the organizers sent all submitted samples to a professional institution for genetic testing for the first time. The results revealed the truth: Chiroso is neither a variant of Caturra nor Bourbon, but rather an Ethiopian native landrace variety.

This genetic analysis not only confirmed Chiroso’s true lineage but also helped explain its uniquely captivating flavor profile. Research literature indicates that through DNA comparison, scientists identified a high degree of genetic similarity between Chiroso and certain ancient Arabica varieties from Ethiopia, thereby classifying it as part of Ethiopia’s native landrace varieties. This also means that, when grown in Colombia’s soil and climate, it demonstrates the unique potential inherent to its landrace origins.

This discovery not only set the record straight about Chiroso’s identity but also led to a renewed valuation of its worth in the international market. Many specialty coffee buyers and roasters have begun to notice that this Colombian coffee with Ethiopian roots not only possesses delicate floral and fruity aromas but also delivers a rare and robust body—making it a favorite in international auctions, and this year it achieved outstanding success at a high price point.

In summary, Chiroso is far more than just a coffee named for its peculiar appearance. Its ability to thrive stably at high altitudes, its unique aroma and flavor profile, and its profound genetic background all contribute to making it a highly promising rising star in the specialty coffee world. For coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike, understanding Chiroso’s background and characteristics undoubtedly provides a richer perspective and inspiration for coffee tasting and selection.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.