Colombia La Kaleidoscope 2.0

Colombia La Kaleidoscope 2.0 is a special coffee from Rum Baba Coffeeroasters in Amsterdam. This limited release follows their first “Kaleidoscope” blend and combines several wild micro-lots into one spectacular flavor experience. Coffee lovers are excited about the pronounced taste, “Skittle’icous,” as the roaster calls it, thanks to sweet, fruity notes reminiscent of a handful of Skittles candy. With its surprising origins and experimental processing, this coffee manages to spark the curiosity of many baristas and home brewers without unnecessary fuss.

The beans for Kaleidoscope 2.0 come from the area around Armenia in Quindío, a classic coffee region in the heart of Colombia. This Andean zone is known for its fertile volcanic soils and elevations between roughly 1,200 and 2,000 meters, ideal for growing quality arabica. Instead of a single finca, this is a regional selection (“regional lot”) from small farms in the area. Many farmers in Quindío have been working with coffee for generations, and you can taste that care and craftsmanship. The result of this shared origin is a versatile coffee with the lively acidity and rich sweetness characteristic of the Colombian Coffee Belt.

Rum Baba roasted this coffee to a medium profile. A medium roast preserves the bean’s natural brightness and sweetness while keeping bitter or smoky notes at bay. With this, the roaster sought a balance between fresh acidity and full sweetness, perfect for bringing the blend’s complex flavor layers to the fore. Thanks to this roast profile, Kaleidoscope 2.0 is versatile: fans brew it with filter methods for a clean cup as well as as an espresso for a punchy shot. The coffee ships shortly after roasting (usually within 1–10 days) for optimal freshness.

This coffee has a pronounced aroma and flavor palette that immediately stands out. The roaster describes the taste as “Skittle’icous”, as if tasting a mix of fruity Skittles. In practice this means an explosion of sweet fruit notes: think juicy tropical fruit, berries, and citrus, wrapped in a candy-like sweetness. At the same time, the coffee is elegant and layered; each component in the blend adds its own punchy character, resulting in a bright, multi-layered cup full of surprises. The finish is clean and persistent, with delicate hints that keep intriguing without becoming overwhelming. This unique combination of intense sweetness and complex depth makes Kaleidoscope 2.0 a true flavor adventure in the cup.

Kaleidoscope 2.0 stands out through an innovative processing method. The coffee is partially processed as a natural, but with an experimental twist, and another portion underwent co-fermentation. Co-fermentation means the coffee cherries ferment together with specific additions or under controlled conditions to create extra flavor nuances. In Colombia, such experimental fermentations are rapidly gaining popularity and often deliver a striking candy-like sweetness without an overly fermented aftertaste. Concretely, think of techniques such as adding fruit pulp or special yeasts during the fermentation of the cherries. This “wild coffee” approach explains the exuberant fruit aromas. After fermentation, the beans were dried (as with a natural) and carefully post-processed, resulting in clean yet exuberant flavor profiles. The combination of natural processing and co-fermentation gives Kaleidoscope 2.0 its signature, boundary-pushing flavors.

Rather than a single variety, this blend is composed of a mix of arabica cultivars. Colombia grows many varieties, from traditional types like Caturra and Bourbon to more modern cultivars such as Castillo or Pink Bourbon, and in Quindío many farmers grow multiple types side by side. Blending beans from different varieties creates a more complex profile that showcases each variety’s strengths. Some beans contribute floral or citrus notes, while others bring body or sweetness. This mixed-varietal approach adds to the layered character of Kaleidoscope 2.0. The exact varieties in the blend are not specified, but it’s clear they complement each other into a harmonious whole. In any case, it’s 100% high-quality arabica; no robusta involved.

Rum Baba is an independent Amsterdam roastery that places great value on fair sourcing and sustainability. For exclusive micro-lots like Kaleidoscope 2.0, purchases are often made directly at origin, sometimes via special auctions or competitions, ensuring farmers receive a premium for their exceptional coffee. This direct trade and small-scale lots encourage farmers to experiment with quality and unique processes, ultimately benefiting both producer and coffee drinker. Rum Baba also motivates consumers to make conscious choices, from discovering new flavors to enjoying coffee responsibly.

On the environmental front, the roastery also goes the extra mile. Rum Baba notes that larger packages are more sustainable: a 1 kg bag yields about 20% less packaging waste than four 250 g bags. Buying in bulk also means fewer shipments, and thus a lower ecological footprint. The beans themselves are roasted and packed with care; the playful packaging is not only fun to look at but also functionally well thought out. All in all, Rum Baba shows that specialty coffee can go hand in hand with care for people and planet without sacrificing quality or enjoyment.

Although every coffee lover has personal preferences, Kaleidoscope 2.0 shows best with careful preparation. A few tips to get the most out of this coffee:

• Filter brewing: Use a V60 or Chemex to emphasize clarity. A ratio around 1:16 (e.g., 15 g coffee to 240 ml water) and a slightly lower water temperature of ~93 °C help the fruity sweetness shine. Aim for a medium grind size to keep extraction in balance.
• Espresso: As an espresso, this medium-roasted coffee delivers an intense, almost candy-like shot. Experiment with a slightly coarser grind than usual to tame the acidity, or add a splash of hot water for an Americano-like experience with greater drinkability. Without milk, its unique flavor profile comes through best.
• Iced & tonic: On warm days, an espresso tonic is highly recommended with this coffee. Pull a double shot and pour it over ice and tonic water, the citrus notes and sweet fruit nuances create a surprisingly refreshing “coffee cocktail” that fans are already praising.
• General tip: Always use freshly ground coffee beans and clean filtered water. Because this coffee is only available as whole beans, it pays to grind just before brewing for the best aroma. Try different brew methods, Kaleidoscope 2.0 is versatile and can reveal new flavor nuances depending on how it is prepared.

Kaleidoscope 2.0 has not gone unnoticed in the coffee world. The concept emerged as a follow up to the successful first Kaleidoscope blend, indicating that version 1.0 had already won people over. For this 2.0 edition, Rum Baba secured two micro-lots via the prestigious “Best of Cauca” coffee auction, which awards the best coffees from Colombia’s Cauca region. The inclusion of such auctioned lots underscores the exceptional quality of the beans. Although this specific product has no competition score (because it is a blend), reactions from coffee fans speak volumes. Kaleidoscope 2.0 is described online as a “flavor bomb”, and the Skittles tasting note is said to be no exaggeration. In addition, one of the farmers involved is a decorated cup taster (Cup Tasters champion), signaling how much attention to flavor went into production. The limited run sold out quickly, a clear sign that this coffee gets both professionals and home drinkers talking.

Not only the contents, but also the exterior of Kaleidoscope 2.0 is a celebration. The coffee comes in a brightly colored, playfully designed package that is as eye catching as the name suggests. The bag is printed in vibrant tones with a mosaic like pattern reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, complete with the “Liquid Diamond” logo indicating it is an exclusive lot. Rum Baba is known for coffee that is “playfully packaged”, and this edition is no exception. The colorful design immediately draws attention on the shelf and reflects the vivid and surprising flavor world of the coffee itself. At the same time, the packaging is functional, well sealable to preserve freshness, and clearly labeled with origin, process, and tasting notes. This way a coffee enthusiast can see at a glance that something special is in hand. The packaging design of Kaleidoscope 2.0 shows that high quality and creativity go hand in hand, from bean to roasting and bag.

Colombia La Kaleidoscope 2.0 was available through Rum Baba’s webshop and coffee bars, but in limited quantities. The coffee was sold only as whole beans (no pre ground option), so every customer could grind fresh for optimal results. A 200 gram bag cost €22.50, which comes to €112.50 per kilo, a price that reflects the exclusivity and labor intensive production. Despite the higher price tag, demand was strong, stock flew out the door and the blend has since sold out. This confirms that coffee drinkers are willing to invest in a unique experience. Those who secured Kaleidoscope 2.0 can enjoy a rare coffee. For those who missed it, Rum Baba’s Liquid Diamond collection continues to evolve, so future special lots will offer new chances to taste something remarkable. Keep an eye on the webshop and announcements, because these gems often disappear quickly. Until then, every sip of Kaleidoscope 2.0 is one to savor, knowing how limited and special this coffee is.