July 8, 2022

Sideyard Coffee: July 8 - Nicaragua 🇳🇮 La Bastilla Yeast Fermentation

Hello Sideyard Friends,

Historically, Nicaragua coffee production has focused more on quantity over quality. Despite a population of just 6.5 million, Nicaragua was the 12th largest coffee producing country in the world in 2019! As quality has increased in recent years, more and more of that coffee has moved from the commodity trade into the speciality market, making coffee farming a more sustainable option for Nicaraguan farmers. From Rainforest Alliance certification, to recycling water, to various education initiatives, the La Bastilla estate has been at the forefront of these quality and sustainability efforts since 2003. 

It's only the second Nicaraguan coffee we've roasted, and while neither have become instant favorites (on the level of a natural Ethiopia or that West Java from a few months back), this one has something intriguing in it that keeps me guessing. I'll attribute this je n'est ce quoi to the experimental processing that the La Bastilla estate is using. They add a specially formulated yeast to the fermentation bins that help add an extra tropical kick. It's subtle in this lot–coming through in the aroma and as the coffee cools in the cup. The first thing I picked up on was a caramelized roast tone, followed by a hint of vanilla and something citrus-y as it cooled. 

This week's origin track recommendation is Amanecer Entre las Hojas by Nicaraguan Latin Funk Power Del Alma.

Cheers,

Ryan