Colombia, Dulce Misterio, Washed, Bourbon Aji

Origin: Neira, Caldas, Colombia

Farm: Dulce Misterio

Varietal: Bourbon Ají

Process: Washed

Altitude: 1,850 – 2,040 masl

This coffee shines in pour-overs, but it's a bit of a show-off

Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 20g coffee to 300g water)

Device: Cone Brewer (e.g., V60)

Grind: Medium

Water Temp: 93°C

Brew Time: 2:30 – 3:00 mins

The Story Behind Dulce Misterio

Dulce Misterio is all about chasing dreams and making magic happen. Founded by Mauricio Duque, a former coffee exporter turned farmer, this project started after the pandemic forced him to rethink his path. Rather than giving up on coffee, he went all in—spending years scouting the perfect land before setting up shop in Neira, Caldas, in 2019.

Mauricio is obsessed with quality, from nurturing rich, nutrient-packed soil to using biodynamic farming techniques. His 13-hectare farm is entirely dedicated to specialty coffee, grown with sustainability at its core. The result? Some of Colombia’s most expressive and flavour-packed coffees.

The Process: Washed with a Twist

This isn’t your standard washed coffee. Mauricio takes things up a notch with a meticulous, multi-step fermentation process that amplifies the Bourbon Ají’s crisp melon sweetness and delicate florals.

• Hand-Picked Perfection: Only the ripest cherries make the cut, thanks to a well-trained team paid a fixed wage (so there’s no pressure to rush).
• 48-Hour Cherry Fermentation: Whole cherries rest in sealed tanks, slowly developing their signature vibrancy.
• Low-Water Depulping: Just enough water is used to remove the cherry skin while keeping the fruity mucilage intact.
• Another 48-Hour Fermentation: The pulped coffee undergoes a second stage of fermentation in closed tanks, enhancing its fruit and floral notes.
• Single Rinse & Slow Drying: After one gentle rinse, the beans dry on raised beds inside a parabolic dryer, ensuring consistent flavour development.

This process preserves the Bourbon Ají’s incredible complexity, bringing out green melon, soft florals, and syrupy sweetness in every sip.

The Bourbon Ají Varietal: The Coffee World’s Best-Kept Secret

Also known as “Chilli Bourbon” (though it’s more sweet than spicy), Bourbon Ají is a rare varietal that stands apart from traditional Bourbons. Genetic studies hint that it might be closer to Ethiopian heirloom varieties, which explains its bright acidity, intense aromatics, and multi-layered depth.

In the cup, expect a fresh burst of honeydew, chamomile, and a honey-like sweetness that evolves with each sip. It's a refined, dynamic brew that’s perfect for the adventurous coffee lover.