Summer is officially upon us and as promised, Dennis has brought us yet another incredible experience within a cup by finding the perfect roast profile for another c-fermented coffee bean. This time, the bean has spent some time with one of our favorite summer fruits, the watermelon!

Presenting Josephine's Roasters Summer Seasonal Roast: 
Tastes like summer without the seeds.

Exploring the Unique Colombian Huila Caturra-Bourbon Variety, Citrullus Nectar Washed

Region: Colombian Huila
Variety: Caturra/Bourbon
Process:  Citrullus Nectar Washed
Co-Fermented with Melon (Citrullus) Essence

This extraordinary coffee comes from the high-altitude hills of Huila, Colombia, a region known for producing some of the world’s most dynamic and flavorful coffees. Grown from a blend of Caturra and Bourbon varieties, this lot undergoes a unique washed co-fermentation process using melon (citrullus) nectar during fermentation.

The result is a cup that’s both refreshing and complex, with juicy tasting notes of watermelon, white peach, mint, and citrus. Expect elevated sweetness, a crisp melon-like clarity, and a cooling, clean finish that reflects both the innovation of processing and the purity of origin.

A limited-release offering that’s perfect for those seeking a vibrant and unforgettable coffee experience.

The Co-Fermentation Process: A Unique Approach

Co-fermentation is an innovative processing method that enhances the natural flavors of coffee by introducing additional ingredients—like fruits, spices, or other fermentable elements—during the fermentation stage. This Colombian Huila Caturra/Bourbon Citrullus Nectar Washed is a rare and innovative expression of Colombian coffee craftsmanship. What sets it apart is its co-fermentation process—a method that blends tradition with bold experimentation to create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile.

During processing, natural melon nectar (from the Citrullus family)—think watermelon and related fruits—is added during the fermentation stage. As the coffee cherries ferment, the beans absorb the essence of the melon, introducing a natural infusion of sweetness and tropical aromatics. The washed processing that follows allows the clean, fruit-forward qualities to shine without any over-fermented heaviness.

The result? A cup that’s bright, juicy, and refreshingly complex—with distinct notes of watermelon, white peach, mint, and citrus. It's a coffee that pushes the boundaries of flavor while preserving the integrity of its Huila terroir and heirloom Caturra-Bourbon genetics.

This co-fermented coffee is meticulously crafted, from harvest to drying, requiring careful control of time, temperature, and microbial activity. It’s a fine example of how processing innovation can elevate a coffee's natural potential, resulting in something truly memorable.

The Region: Huila, Colombia

Nestled in the Andes of southern Colombia, Huila is one of the country’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions. Known for its rich volcanic soil, high altitudes, and consistent climate, Huila produces coffees with remarkable clarity, sweetness, and complexity. Smallholder farmers in this region combine traditional practices with innovation, resulting in vibrant flavor profiles that often feature bright fruit notes and a clean finish. It's a region synonymous with quality and character.

The Variety: Caturra and Bourbon

Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon, prized for its compact size and high cup quality. It produces sweet, balanced coffees with bright acidity. Bourbon, one of the oldest Arabica cultivars, is known for its rich body, smooth sweetness, and complex fruit notes. Together, these heirloom varieties create a cup with layered sweetness, elegant structure, and excellent clarity—perfect for showcasing expressive fermentation methods.

Why This Coffee Stands Out

What makes this coffee truly exceptional is the fusion of heritage and innovation. Grown in Colombia’s renowned Huila region, this Caturra-Bourbon coffee already carries a legacy of sweetness, clarity, and balance. But what sets it apart is the co-fermentation with Citrullus (melon) nectar, a cutting-edge processing method that infuses the beans with vibrant, fruit-forward character while maintaining a clean, elegant finish.

Expect a cup that bursts with watermelon, white peach, mint, and citrus, all naturally developed through a meticulous fermentation process. The result is a coffee that feels both refreshingly modern and deeply rooted in quality farming and varietal tradition. It’s a standout choice for anyone seeking a memorable, juicy, and nuanced coffee experience you simply won’t find anywhere else.