James Fernandez Sudan Rume Washed - La Laja - Colombia

Whole Bean
Size: 8oz / 227g
Roast: Light
Recommended Rest: 4-6 weeks from roast date
Tasting Notes: lavender, apricot, yellow peach, kiwi

Origin Details

Region: Cauca, Colombia
Elevation: 1750m
Producer: James Arnez Fernandez Vivas
Process: Washed
Variety: Sudan Rume

ABOUT THIS COFFEE AND PRODUCER

Since childhood, coffee has been an essential part of James Fernández’s life. He grew up surrounded by coffee plants, learning the trade alongside his parents and grandparents. His restless spirit led him to diversify his crops in search of new opportunities, but he never stopped feeling a special connection to coffee. Eventually, he returned to the coffee sector and discovered his true passion within it. James began by planting Castillo coffee and, over time, improved his production methods and learned about various processes. Later, he expanded his business by selling seedlings and seeds of different varieties. It was then that he discovered the Geisha variety, which was little known at the time but had unique sensory characteristics that inspired him to cultivate it. Using his best seeds, he established one of the purest plantations of this variety. Today, his farm is a garden of special varieties such as Geisha, Sudan Rume, Bourbon Rosado, and Bourbon Naranja, in addition to traditional ones. With the support of Banexport, James has refined his practices, implementing processes that ensure the quality and sustainability of his coffee. With an eye on the future, he continues to embrace new challenges to produce microlots that tell unique stories in every cup.

To keep his coffee plantation in optimal condition, Mr. Fernández weeds and prunes every three to four months, depending on weather conditions. Weeding helps control unwanted vegetation, while pruning ensures proper maintenance and growth of the trees. Additionally, before each fertilization, the base of the trees is cleaned to enhance the efficiency of the process. The cherries are pulped the day after being harvested. The beans are then placed in plastic tanks and left to ferment for 48 hours. Once the fermentation process is complete, the beans are washed twice. The beans are placed in a parabolic solar dryer for 15 days. During this time, they are turned four times a day to maintain uniform moisture throughout the coffee. 

Source: Banexport

WHY WE SELECTED THIS COFFEE

We’re excited to share something truly special: our first-ever coffee sourced from James Fernández, a producer celebrated for his attention to detail and deep connection to the land. This lot, a Sudan Rume, is a stellar example of varietal character and demonstrates the care put into the plant and processing.

Grown in high-elevation soils that bring out the best in this rare varietal, this coffee is a flavor-forward showcase of both craftsmanship and origin. From the first sip, expect intense sweet peach notes that carry throughout the cup, grounded by a light but present tart kiwi tropicality. On the nose, purple lavender florals introduce the experience with elegance and lift.