Bolivia: La Linda, Pink Honey

Finca La Linda is the flagship farm of Agricafe’s Buena Vista Project, nestled between two forest-covered mountains in Caranavi, Bolivia. With its rich soil, subtropical climate, and ideal altitude, La Linda is a haven for specialty coffee cultivation and biodiversity, with 60% of the land preserved as a natural reserve. It was the first farm where Agricafe began producing its own coffee, pioneering innovative techniques and varietals like Java, Catuai, and SL28. La Linda remains the heart of Agricafe’s vision, serving as both a model of sustainable farming and the birthplace of experimental lots like this Pink Honey Java.

This particular lot was developed during the 2023 harvest as part of a new processing trial that proved to be a resounding success. Like other honey processes, its name comes from the colour the coffee takes on during drying, in this case, a striking pink. The process begins with red coffee cherries placed in sealed containers with water for anaerobic fermentation. Throughout, Agricafe’s team carefully monitors the fermentation, tracking pH levels and microbial activity to ensure precision and consistency.

Once fermentation is complete, the cherries are drained and depulped. The remaining mucilage changes from dark red to pale pink, and the coffee is then laid out to dry on raised beds. The process produces a pinkish liquid, giving the coffee its name and unique character.

Agricafe has invested heavily in their mill to support this and other experimental processes. Their approach, using tiny microlots, precise measurements, and reproducibility, is key to their success in innovation. This coffee is a shining example of what is possible with their methodology.

The Java varietal (also known as Longberry or Javanica) came to Bolivia via Nicaragua, thanks to knowledge-sharing between the Rodriguez and Mierisch (of Limoncillo fame!) families. Though it is low-yielding and challenging to grow, its flavour and quality are exceptional.

This starts with fresh, sweet red cherries when its hot, before shifting into nectarine and pineapple as it begins to cool. Its all wrapped up in a super silky smooth texture. There's a gentle black tea on the finish before an aftertaste of golden raisins, for an elegant, complex cup.

• Country: Bolivia
• Department: La Paz
• Region: Caranavi
• Farm: La Linda
• Farm size: 10.53 hectares
• Coffee production area: 3.92 hectares
• Producer: Agricafe
• Mill: Buena Vista
• Altitude: 1,400–1,450 m.a.s.l.
• Processing Method: Pink Honey
• Varietal: Java
• GPS: 15°47'50.0"S 67°32'39.7"W

Tasting notes: Red cherry, nectarine, black tea.

Cup of Excellence Cupping Scores

• Clean cup: (1–8): 7
• Sweetness: (1–8): 7
• Acidity: (1–8): 6
• Mouthfeel: (1–8): 7
• Flavour: (1–8): 6.5
• Aftertaste: (1–8): 6.5
• Balance: (1–8): 6.5
• Overall: (1–8): 7.5
• Correction: (+36): +36
• Total: (max. 100): 90

Roasting Information
Medium: keep the pace steady and aim to got through first and well through the gap, looking for the end of the gap to finish the roast.