Pu’er Coffee

 When shopping for coffee, you may have come across a processing method labeled “Gold Washed.” We’re all familiar with one of the classic processing methods— washed —but what does the addition of gold actually mean? How is it different from traditional washed coffee? Today, I’d like to dedicate this article to exploring exactly what the Gold Washed process is. I wanted to write this piece because I recently encountered an outstanding roaster from Kyoto at a coffee festival. They were showcasing a Red Bourbon from the Popayán region of Cauca, Colombia, processed using the Gold Washed method. That coffee left a deep impression on me—it was simply too good. Naturally, it sparked my curiosity to dig deeper into this processing style. (I’ll be sharing a full tasting review of that coffee later. I couldn’t resist and ordered two bags on the spot—no hesitation at all.) When it comes to “Gold Washed,” there is a certain degree of producer-specific ownership to the method. By that, I m...

  ☕ Origin & Location Core Region: Yirgacheffe lies in the Sidama area of southwestern Ethiopia. Although Ethiopia underwent administrative restructuring in 2019—placing the town of Yirgacheffe under the Gedeo Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region—the term “Yirgacheffe” still refers broadly to the highland coffee-growing belt surrounding the town and its neighboring districts. Geography: This region sits high on the Ethiopian Plateau, at elevations between 1,700 and 2,200 meters (5,600–7,200 ft) . Its remarkable combination of altitude, volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, mild temperatures, and lush shade trees creates the perfect conditions for world-class coffee. Representative Villages: Yirgacheffe’s core micro-regions include the town itself and surrounding areas such as Kochere and Gedeb (also known as Gotiti ). These micro-lots are celebrated for their exceptional cup quality, each expressing subtle differences in aroma and flavor. 🌸...