The H17 variety is a cross between the Caturra and Geisha varieties.
The path to this hybrid began in 2011, when the first Caturra plants were planted at the CGLE farm in Potosi, Colombia.
In 2014, the first cherries were harvested, but the coffee lacked the desired complexity. Further experimentation began:
At Cerro Azul Farm, where Geisha is grown exclusively, a Geisha variety was selected that was ideal to combine with the Caturra variety.
The new Caturra/Geisha hybrid was first planted in 2017 and thrives at 1890 m a.s.l. on one of the highest elevations of the Potosi farm. There were only 642 trees at 2500 meters growing with a unique compact structure. The first branches started about 50 cm above the ground, much higher than other varieties. The cherries were large and thin, similar to the Geisha variety, but with a much higher yield per tree.
The body of the cup is multi-faceted, fruit-driven and incredibly clean with a lingering finish reminiscent of a complex white wine.
The H17 we sourced from Don Martin in Tarrazú, Costa Rica has an equally exciting flavor profile and are excited to be roasting this extremely special and new variety!
The picture above shows the plants in 2020 at Finca La Chumeca - the coffee farm of Don Martin Urena.