Colombia Jhon Sánchez

Colombia Jhon Sánchez is a special single-origin coffee, roasted by Rum Baba Coffeeroasters from Amsterdam. This coffee, acquired at the ‘Best of Cauca’ auction in Colombia, excels in quality and carries a captivating story from farmer to roaster. Below is more about the origin, flavor, processing and all the other aspects that make this coffee so special.

This coffee comes from San Pedro, Inzá in the department of Cauca in southern Colombia. There lies the farm La Montañita of coffee farmer Jhon Sánchez, on nutrient-rich soil in a perfect climate for quality coffee. Jhon Sánchez became involved in specialty coffee through a local cooperative and decided to plant the rare Gesha variety with seeds a neighbor had brought from Panama. The coffee is hand-picked, with the whole neighborhood helping during the harvest. The result is a proud regional product from Cauca that shows how much potential and resilience this region has.

Rum Baba has roasted this coffee lightly (light roast) to let the pronounced, fresh flavors shine. A light roast accentuates complex fruit notes and a lively acidity, ideal for brewing as filter coffee. Because the beans are roasted shorter and lighter, the origin characteristics and the distinctive Gesha elegance are preserved. Rum Baba roasts deliberately in small batches – “thoughtfully roasted” – and ships the coffee shortly after roasting, so you receive the beans ultra-fresh. This lets you taste the coffee at its best, with all nuances intact.

Colombia Jhon Sánchez treats you to notes of dried apricot, caramel, and milk chocolate. The sweet softness of caramel and creamy milk chocolate is beautifully balanced by a subtle apricot fruitiness. The aroma is invitingly sweet and lightly fruity, which stands out immediately when brewing. Thanks to the clean, washed processing, the flavors come through clearly with no bitter aftertaste; the cup is pure and refined. Taken together, this results in a delicate coffee with an approachable, sweet fragrance that will appeal to every coffee lover.

This coffee has been processed in the traditional washed method. After picking, the cherries were fermented for a few hours in airtight bags before the pulp was removed. This short, controlled fermentation – followed by washing – yields a clean and clear coffee flavor. In comparable microlots from Cauca, a 24-hour bag fermentation proved to further enhance the floral aromas while keeping the coffees clean and well balanced. The washed method therefore highlights the bean’s pure traits and delivers a fresh, pristine cup.

The variety of this coffee is Gesha (also known as Geisha). This Arabica variety is renowned for its refined taste and aromatic complexity, often with floral notes and a sparkling acidity. Originally from Ethiopia, Gesha gained worldwide fame after producing exceptional coffees in Panama. Jhon Sánchez deliberately chose to grow this rare variety on his farm – with seeds from Panama – to elevate quality to the next level. The Gesha contributes to the lively apricot fruitiness and elegant sweetness in the cup, hallmarks of top coffees of this variety.

This coffee symbolizes positive change in Cauca. For years the region was plagued by poverty and conflict, and many farmers were forced to switch to the lucrative cultivation of coca. Initiatives like the Best of Cauca auction offer a sustainable alternative: by focusing on quality coffee, farmers receive fair prices and international recognition for their product. This special auction is aptly called locally “Subasta por la Paz” – an “Auction for Peace” – because coffee is presented here as a path to stability and peace. Rum Baba’s purchasing of these lots aligns with their motto “sustainably sourced”: the roaster invests in coffees that are not only delicious, but also help farmers and communities move forward.

As a light filter coffee, this coffee shines best with brew methods like hand pour-over (V60), Aeropress, or a classic filter machine. Such methods optimally bring out the bright, complex flavors. In addition, Rum Baba also offers the coffee pre-ground for, for example, a moka pot or French press, so feel free to experiment – something the brand itself encourages. Try different grind sizes and ratios to find your ideal cup; the roaster recommends tasting and discovering what you like best. Thanks to its fresh, accessible character, this is above all a coffee to enjoy in the morning, "the first thing you want to brew," according to the roaster.

The fact that this coffee was selected through the Best of Cauca competition means it officially ranks among the region’s best coffees. Only about twenty top microlots made it to the auction; the lot from fellow producer Kevin Perafán, for example, finished among the top 15 of Cauca. The Gesha from Jhon Sánchez also received an outstanding cupping score from the jury, which made participation in this prestigious auction possible. In 2022 the Best of Cauca auction replaced the traditional Cup of Excellence in this area, a sign of how serious and renowned the competition is. For Rum Baba, securing this auctioned coffee is a trophy in itself, a confirmation that they have an exceptional lot for their customers.

Rum Baba is known for its playful packaging, and Colombia Jhon Sánchez is no exception. The coffee comes in an artistically designed 250 grams bag with a striking black-and-white pattern and pastel pink accents (see photo above). The label clearly lists all key details: the origin (San Pedro, Cauca, Colombia), the farm (La Montañita), the variety (Gesha), the processing method (Washed), and the tasting notes (dried apricot, caramel, milk chocolate). This stylish package is not only fun to look at, it also protects the freshly roasted beans well. For higher-volume use, the coffee is also available in 1 kg bags with a matching design.

Colombia Jhon Sánchez is available directly from Rum Baba Coffeeroasters, both online and in their coffee bars in Amsterdam. A 250 grams bag costs € 15.75, while a 1 kg bulk bag costs € 50. For online orders, Rum Baba usually ships the beans the same day (orders placed before 13:00 are shipped that day), and always fresh from the roastery (usually 1 to 10 days after roasting). Orders above € 55 are shipped free within the Netherlands, and it is also possible to pick up the coffee for free at one of the Amsterdam shops. Because this is a limited auction coffee, stock is limited. Anyone who wants to taste this unique coffee would do well not to wait too long to order.