Colombia - Coconut Lemonade - Purple Caturra

Monteblanco, Huila

Some coffees are grown.
Some coffees are designed.

This Purple Caturra Coconut Lemonade from Rodrigo Sanchez Valencia is one of the most iconic examples of modern Colombian processing. Produced at Finca Monteblanco in Huila, this lot sits at the intersection of agriculture, microbiology, and flavour engineering.

Rodrigo has spent years developing fermentation systems that create repeatable and expressive flavour profiles while maintaining balance and drinkability. This coffee has become one of the most sought-after examples of co-fermentation in specialty coffee.

Process: Coconut Lemonade Natural

This isn't simply a natural coffee.

It's a meticulously controlled fermentation built around a custom microbial culture.

Process Flow

• Selective harvesting of ripe Purple Caturra cherries
• Creation of a fermentation culture using native microorganisms
• Feeding the culture with citrus fruits, coconut, and sugars
• Extended fermentation of the culture before coffee is introduced
• Controlled cherry fermentation in sealed tanks
• Slow drying under sun and shade until optimal moisture is reached

The result is a coffee that amplifies sweetness, tropical character, and citrus vibrancy while preserving structure and clarity.

Variety: Purple Caturra

Unlike traditional Red Caturra, Purple Caturra develops deeper coloured cherries and naturally higher sugar concentrations.

Higher Brix levels create the perfect environment for advanced fermentation, allowing Rodrigo's processing techniques to unlock extraordinary flavour complexity.

Cup Experience: Tropical Soda Energy

This coffee is unapologetically expressive.

Expect layers of:

• Coconut cream
• Lemonade
• Tropical fruit
• Lime zest
• Brown sugar sweetness

Supported by a creamy body and sparkling citrus acidity.

Think:

Piña Colada meets fresh lemonade.

Bright. Juicy. Completely unforgettable.

Why Coffee Nerds Chase This Lot

Because it challenges what coffee can taste like.

The Coconut Lemonade process has become one of Rodrigo Sanchez's most recognisable creations, demonstrating how controlled fermentation can create entirely new sensory experiences while remaining clean and intentional.

This is a coffee that sparks conversation from the first sip.

Brewing Mindset

Lean into sweetness and aroma.

• Filter brewing highlights tropical fruit and citrus complexity
• Espresso delivers intense coconut sweetness and creamy texture
• Allow the cup to cool to discover new layers of flavour

This coffee rewards curiosity.

The Bigger Picture

At Monteblanco, Rodrigo Sanchez has become one of the leading innovators in Colombian specialty coffee, proving that fermentation can be used as a precise tool for flavour development rather than simply a processing step.

The Coconut Lemonade project is a perfect example of that philosophy:

Experimental.
Intentional.
Deliciously different.