Coffee

Roaster: Middle State Coffee, Denver CO
Coffee: Libardo Pepicano
Country: Colombia
Origin: Huila
Process: Washed
Elevation: 1700-1900 MASL
Varietal: Tabi
Flavor profile: Blood orange, red plum, candied mango, complex

Libardo Pepicano coffee bag

Beans

  • On the smaller side of medium
  • Fragrant
  • Rustic
  • Beautiful caramel brown

Close up of the beans

First day drinking

Drinking as a cappuccino, I don’t taste the complex fruity notes listed on the bag. It’s a delicious, balanced cup–very smooth. But the flavor notes are quite subtle and if anything I would describe them as being nutty or chocolatey.

Ground up beans Double shot Cappuccino

Second day drinking

Drinking as a cappuccino again. I tasted slightly fruity notes this time, but overall it was mostly smooth and chocolatey.

Third day drinking - Virtuous Brew

I brewed using the virtuous method today–pour over. First, I tried it black:

  • Stronger fruit notes
    • I could definitely taste the blood orange
  • The ‘complexity’ came through stronger
  • Crisp and tart

Next, added a little cream:

  • Still taste fruity notes, though they are bit muted
  • Cuts the tartness/crispness and adds a bit of smoothness

Final thoughts

Overall, a solid bean. I recently have been more into strong, complex fruit flavors that punch through the richness of a cappuccino (usually, I like a smooth, rich breakfast style). I felt this one felt a bit short in that regard. The pour over was solid, but again, nothing special.

6.5/10 beans