This isn't your everyday Colombian coffee. Roasted by Greater Goods in Portland, the El Eden "Green Tea" lot from Huila's Samaria region represents what happens when a producer willing to experiment meets perfect terroir. Rodrigo Sánchez's extended fermentation process—incorporating chamomile, mint, rosemary, and ten strains of carefully cultivated microorganisms—produces a coffee that defies convention with its delicate floral character and herbal elegance.
At 1,500 meters above sea level, Finca El Eden benefits from year-round flowering and rich volcanic soils. The Bourbon and Purple Caturra cherries undergo 190 hours of starter fermentation, followed by an additional 150 hours with hand-sorted fruit, then slow-dried for up to 25 days. The result tastes more like fine tea than traditional coffee, with jasmine petals, cardamom spice, and a finish reminiscent of Japanese green tea candy.
Tasting Notes
The first sip reveals jasmine and white floral notes, delicate and perfumed without being cloying. Mid-palate brings warm cardamom spice and a gentle sweetness like honeyed green tea. The body is silky and light, with bright citric acidity that lifts rather than cuts. The finish is clean and long, leaving behind impressions of herbal complexity and subtle sweetness—imagine premium sencha with a whisper of candied ginger.
This is not a coffee that shouts. It speaks in refined whispers, rewarding attention with layers of nuance that unfold as the cup cools.
Brew Methods
This coffee shines brightest in brewing methods that highlight clarity and delicate flavors. Pour over devices like the V60 or Chemex allow the floral and herbal notes to express themselves fully—aim for water around 200°F and a medium-fine grind. The Kalita Wave offers excellent temperature stability for consistent extractions that bring out the tea-like character.
While it can pull as espresso for those seeking something unconventional, this coffee truly excels as filter coffee where its subtlety can shine. French press tends to muddy the delicate florals, though a coarser grind and shorter steep time (3 minutes) can work. Cold brew brings out surprising stone fruit notes and maintains the herbal finish beautifully.
About Greater Goods Roasting
Greater Goods operates in Portland with a mission that extends beyond the roaster: they're committed to sourcing exceptional coffees while supporting producer communities and local causes. Their light roasting approach preserves origin character and showcases the work of innovative farmers like Rodrigo Sánchez.
Have questions about dialing this in? Clive's coffee team can recommend grinder settings, brewing ratios, and equipment pairings to help you get the most from this remarkable lot. Whether you're exploring extended fermentation coffees for the first time or you're a seasoned specialty coffee enthusiast, we're here to help you brew better.