Rare Java – Washed – SCA 86.00

About This Coffee

The Java Washed Process demonstrates the transformative power of processing method. While our Java Natural showcases bold fruit and chocolate, this washed-process lot reveals an entirely different side of the varietal – bright, herbaceous, and elegantly complex.

SCA-certified cuppers have scored this coffee at 86.00 points, recognizing its clean profile, complex aromatics, and refined character. This coffee proves that the same varietal can express radically different personalities depending on processing choices.

Tasting Profile

Washed processing has revealed the Java varietal’s hidden complexity, creating a bright, herbaceous cup with unexpected elegance.

Acidity: Bright and citric, with lemon and lime vibrancy
Body: Medium and tea-like, with clean mouthfeel
Sweetness: Refined and delicate, featuring white chocolate and sugar cane
Finish: Clean and lingering, with herbal and cacao notes

Tasting Notes: Lemon, mint, herbs, white chocolate, sugar cane, citric acidity, tea, cocoa

 The Washed Process

Washed processing removes all fruit material before drying, allowing the bean’s inherent characteristics to express themselves with maximum clarity. This method produces:

• Clean, bright acidity
• Defined flavor clarity
• Herbal and floral complexity
• Consistent, refined profiles
• Tea-like body and elegance

For Java, traditionally associated with full body and chocolate notes, washed processing reveals surprising brightness and herbal complexity. The result is a coffee that challenges preconceptions while maintaining the varietal’s fundamental quality.

Origin & Terroir

Region: El Águila, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Farm: Llanogrande
Varietal: Java
Altitude: 1820 – 1870 meters above sea level
Soil: Volcanic, mineral-rich

Processing as Transformation

This coffee exemplifies how processing method can fundamentally reshape a coffee’s character. Compare this washed Java with our natural-process Java:

Java Natural (86.25):
Tropical fruits, brown sugar, chocolate – bold and fruit-forward

Java Washed (86.00):
Lemon, mint, herbs, white chocolate – bright and refined

Same varietal, same origin, different processing – two distinct coffees of equivalent quality.

SCA Score: 86.00

This coffee has been evaluated by Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certified cuppers and scored 86.00 points out of 100, placing it firmly in the exceptional specialty-grade category (85-89.99 points). The score reflects the coffee’s clean profile, complex aromatics, and refined balance.

Brewing Recommendations

Java Washed’s bright, clean profile rewards brewing methods that emphasize clarity and complexity.

Pour Over (V60, Chemex) – Highlights citrus and herbal notes
AeroPress – Balances brightness with body
Siphon – Showcases aromatic complexity
Cold Brew – Emphasizes sweetness and mint notes

Pro Tip: This coffee’s herbal and citrus notes are particularly vibrant when brewed slightly cooler (91-92°C). Experiment with temperature to find your preferred expression of its complex profile.

Why Don Gildo

Specialty-grade coffee with verified SCA scores | Demonstrating processing’s impact on coffee character | Direct relationships with skilled Colombian producers | Transparent sourcing and quality verification | Educational approach to coffee diversity | Fast shipping throughout the United States

Ideal For

Coffee enthusiasts exploring processing methods | Those who prefer bright, clean profiles | Herbal and citrus flavor seekers | Pour over and manual brewing fans | Anyone curious about varietal versatility | Comparing with Java Natural to understand processing | Sophisticated palates seeking complexity