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La Estrella Geisha Washed is a meticulously processed coffee from La Unión, Nariño, grown at 2,100 meters by producer Carlos Estrella. After same day depulping to preserve mucilage, the coffee undergoes anaerobic fermentation in sealed 200-liter tanks equipped with handmade water traps for precise microbial control. Following fermentation, the beans are double-washed and slow-dried on patios and solar beds over 2–3 weeks to lock in clarity and structure. This method reflects Carlos' commitment to precision, sustainability, and innovation at every stage.
What's included in each experience
TAKEOUT BOX - ALL THE EXTRAS
The Takeout Box comes with:
- A 200-gram bag of coffee
- One fortune cookie or Hi-Chew
- A few stickers
- One packet of instant coffee
- One custom brewing water packet from Third Wave Water
- A detailed coffee card
JUST A BAG
This option contains:
- One 200-gram bag of coffee
- One instant coffee packet
- One detailed coffee card
1 KILO BAG
This option contains:
- One 1000-gram bag of coffee
- Two instant coffee packets
- One custom brewing water packet from Third Wave Water
- One detailed coffee card
2 KILO BAG
This option contains:
- One 2000-gram bag of coffee
- Two instant coffee packets
- One custom brewing water packet from Third Wave Water
- One detailed coffee card
Coffee Info
Location: La Unión - Nariño
Country: Colombia
Producer: Carlos Estrella
Mill: La Estrella
Process: Washed
Varietal: Geisha
Harvest date: December 2024
Volume Purchased:5.400 Kg of dry parchment for year.
About the farm: After the harvest, the cherry is depulped on the same day of collection without prior fermentation, with the goal of preserving the attached mucilage and thus enhancing the development of volatile compounds during fermentation. Subsequently, the beans are placed in 200-liter plastic containers with airtight seals and a gas release valve, allowing for an anaerobic fermentation process under controlled conditions, without the presence of oxygen. Each container is equipped with a handmade water trap that enables monitoring of microbial activity through the release of carbon dioxide; if no bubbling is observed, the system’s seal is checked to ensure the anaerobic environment remains intact. The process takes place in a dark space to maintain a stable temperature and avoid fluctuations that could affect microbial development. The fermentation time varies depending on the climatic conditions, averaging 10 hours, with adjustments made on hot days to prevent overfermentation. Each processing day uses approximately 15 containers to process the different lots from the farm. Once this stage is completed, the beans are transferred to plastic baskets and undergo two washes with clean water to remove any remaining mucilage before being sent to the drying process.
Drying time: The drying process at Finca La Estrella takes place in patios and solar dryers. The drying time ranges from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the weather conditions. During this period, the beans are exposed to direct sunlight in the early stages, and in the last few days, they are moved to shaded areas to avoid excessive dehydration. Throughout the process, the beans are regularly moved to ensure uniform air circulation and even dehydration. During drying, manual threshing is carried out to check if the beans have reached the appropriate moisture level; once the beans achieve the characteristic color, which is visually determined by the producer based on their experience, they are removed from the drying process and moved to the storage stage for stabilization.
Drying Temperature: The drying is carried out at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C, allowing for a slow drying process. This step is crucial to prevent fast drying from altering the sensory characteristics of the coffee and affecting the cup quality.
Humidity: 10%
Density: 723.8 gr/L
Water Activity: N/A
Stabilization: 6 months
Elevation: 2100 masl
Temperature: 22C
Total trees: 9000
Other trees: Guamos, Growers, Charcoal Trees, Banana, Plantain, Guadua, Mandarina, Orange and Lemon Trees
Taste Cup Profile
Lemon, Papaya, Orange, Peach
Processing Cup Effect : 5
Sweetness : 8
Acidity : 9
Clarity : 9
Aftertaste : 7
Floral : 6
Spice : 5
Internal Cup Score : 90
Bean: 82 Ground:117
Transparency cost
Here, we share what the producer or farm manager is comfortable with sharing, like export, milling, and pickers' pay, as it helps to know who you support. We always share at minimum Farmgate, FOB, and our cost.
Farmgate : $12.00LB / $26.46KILO
N/a
Farmer's % : $12LB
Our Cost Of Green : $17.88LB / $29.42KILO
Roasted cost 14% : $20.38LB / $44.94KILO
Packaging : $1.98
Luminous Labor : $28 HOUR
Ship Dates
We pack all orders and then ship them out at 9 AM on Monday through USPS. For international orders, we use DHL, which ships at 11 AM on Monday.
Tracking information is sent to your email. For any issues, please reach out to us.
We also roast some batches on Saturday on Instagram Live, so you can tune in, ask questions, and learn about the process.
Brew Recipe Tool
Producer Q & A
How did you come into working in coffee?
My coffee trajectory began as part of a family project that dates back to approximately the year 2000. The coffee tradition comes from my parents and grandparents, who taught me from a young age the secrets of growing and harvesting coffee. In the beginning, my role consisted of simple tasks, such as bringing breakfast and lunch to the workers. Over time, I took on more responsibilities, starting with managing the coffee during the rainy season, helping to pick the beans and performing post-harvest tasks. As I got older, my involvement in the process increased, until I started pulping, washing and making sure no coffee was wasted. Thanks to innovation, I decided to diversify the production processes by implementing methods such as honey and natural processing to offer a more varied portfolio. I was the first in my family to experiment with these unconventional processes, which allowed us to move towards the creation of our own laboratory and acquire the ability to cup each batch, guaranteeing exceptional quality. My family, in particular my brothers, who are agronomists and administrators, have been key players in this project, allowing us to organize the farm into lots with coded ownership and to store each lot according to the quality of the coffee.
What makes this harvest or lot different from others?
This harvest stands out from the rest due to the combination of natural factors and sustainable practices. The soil conditions, altitude, and climate contribute to a unique cup profile, but what truly makes a difference is the agroecological approach to crop management. The use of chemical inputs has been significantly reduced, opting for more organic practices that respect the ecosystem's balance. One of the most valuable initiatives has been the integration of beehives into the farm, promoting natural pollination that enhances coffee flowering and, consequently, its yield and quality. This synergy with local beekeeping not only strengthens biodiversity but also reflects a deep commitment to more conscious and sustainable production. Each stage of the process is carried out with rigor and attention to detail, resulting in a clean, expressive cup with its own identity.
What would you say separates your coffee from others?
What really sets my coffee apart is the meticulous care taken at every stage of the process, from the selection of the cherries to the drying. The experience passed down through generations of coffee growers in our family is reflected in each bean, ensuring that only the best makes it to the cup. In addition, our coffee is characterized by its small size, which increases its density during roasting and enhances its aroma and flavor. The result is a floral and aromatic beverage, with a bright acidity that balances perfectly with the sweetness and complexity of its notes. Each cup tells a story of dedication and experience, making this coffee unique and memorable.
What does your day consist of managing the farm or farms?
My day starts at 5:00 a.m., picking up the workers to distribute them across the different lots of the farm. Once at the farm, depending on the stage of the process, I take care of tasks such as pulping, controlling flotation, fermentation, storage, and calibrating equipment. I also supervise key tasks in the drying process, like covering or uncovering the coffee to ensure even drying, especially on sunny days. During the harvest, I coordinate a team that can be made up of up to 25 people, depending on the production volume. Every day, coffee is spread out on patios and in parabolic dryers, making the most of the sunlight. In the afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., we weigh the harvested coffee again, and then I take the workers back home. The day includes intense tasks like washing and pulping the coffee, but drying is usually the most demanding stage due to the constant attention it requires. During the peak harvest season, which runs through June, July, and August, the days can extend until 11:00 p.m., especially when there is a large volume of cherries to process. Although it’s a demanding routine, it’s essential to maintain the quality and order of the entire production process.
What opportunities are you looking for from people who buy your coffee or work with you currently?
I hope that people who buy my coffee see in it not just an attractive flavor profile, but also a real story and the desire to grow together. I truly value stable relationships, constant feedback, and the opportunity to access new markets that recognize the work we do from the field. I also deeply appreciate when those who work with me contribute technical knowledge, market vision, or tools that help me continue improving at every stage of the process. For me, the real opportunity lies in evolving as a producer while making a positive impact on my family, my team, and the community. All under one shared vision: that of specialty coffee, which not only offers memorable experiences in the cup but also transforms lives from its origin.
Where does your sense of passion for coffee come from?
My passion for coffee comes from my family. I grew up surrounded by coffee plants, learning from a young age the value of hard work in the field and the care needed at every stage of cultivation. This tradition taught me to respect the land and appreciate what a well-made cup of coffee represents. But beyond my roots, my passion also comes from a clear purpose: to achieve the goal of making the coffee from La Estrella farm highly recognized for its flavor and quality. Additionally, seeing how a plant cultivated with effort transforms into a drink that inspires, connects people, and tells a story is what drives me every day to keep improving my work. For me, coffee is not just a crop; it's a path to grow, transform, and leave a mark.
Are you looking to grow relationships with long-term partners?
Yes, I am definitely interested in establishing long-term relationships. I believe that this type of bond allows us to grow together, maintain consistent quality and have the stability needed to plan for the future of the farm. Working with committed partners not only strengthens mutual trust, but also opens up opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. Long-term stability is essential to continue investing in quality, in new sustainable practices and in the well-being of those who are part of this project.
Feel free to share anything on your mind about the industry or yourself. We sell not just to consumers but to the industry, which often looks at what we buy and tries to buy it too, benefiting everyone.
I know the coffee process very well; I have lived it since I was a child and I continue to perfect it every day. Although the industry has advanced a great deal in terms of quality, traceability and recognition of specialty coffee, there is still a long way to go in the most important aspect: to fairly value the work of the producer. Passion for coffee is what keeps us here, innovating, taking care of every detail and betting on more sustainable processes. But it is also essential that this effort is recognized and fairly compensated. When the industry and the consumer understand what is behind each cup -time, knowledge, commitment and collective work- we all benefit. It is not only a matter of selling coffee, but of building a fairer model, where the origin has a central place and the producer is an active part of the future of this chain.