Chiroso Hydrohoney

Colombia | Las Flores | Jhoan Vergara | Chiroso Hydrohoney (Duo Cherry Velvet) | Signature Series

Chiroso, a rare varietal originating from Urrao in Antioquia, Colombia, is most commonly processed using a carefully controlled washed method. After selective handpicking, the cherries are floated to remove underripes, then either pulped immediately or allowed a short aerobic fermentation in-cherry. Following pulping, the beans undergo a wet fermentation—often lasting 24 to 48 hours—to break down the mucilage. Once fermented, the coffee is washed and dried on raised beds over 10–16 days. This method brings out Chiroso’s elegant clarity and complexity, highlighting bright citrus acidity, floral aromatics, and notes of peach, panela, and rosehip.

Some producers are now exploring experimental techniques with Chiroso, including anaerobic and natural processing. These methods involve sealing whole cherries in oxygen-restricted environments for extended fermentation, followed by slow drying. The result is a more fruit-forward, tropical cup with added depth, boozy sweetness, and a creamy body—showcasing Chiroso’s versatility and its close ties to Ethiopian landrace genetics. Whether washed or experimental, Chiroso consistently delivers a standout sensory experience.

“Hydrohoney” (as Jhoan Vergara and a few other Colombian producers use the term) is basically a honey-style process that includes a deliberate water stage. In a normal honey process you pulp the cherry and dry the seed with mucilage still on, no washing. In hydrohoney, they still keep plenty of mucilage, but they also add a controlled water fermentation (submerged) phase to manage fermentation more precisely and get a more repeatable result, aiming for washed-like clarity plus honey-like sweetness and body.

This refers to the surface colour of the whole roasted bean, but it's not always a reliable indicator of roast level. Some of our most vibrant and lightly roasted coffees, like our Ecuadorian Sidra, may appear medium-dark (Agtron 50–60) due to their surface colour, yet are in fact light roasts with minimal development time. Surface colour can be affected by the original green colour, bean type, density, and moisture — so don't judge a bean by its exterior.

Floral, rose, strawberries, cherry, bright acidity and sweet. (Chiroso Duo Cherry Velvet)

Colombia | Las Flores | Jhoan Vergara | Chiroso Hydrohoney (Duo Cherry Velvet) | Signature Series - When is peak flavour?

Suggests a rich and harmonious coffee experience with a velvety mouthfeel. It’s a compelling choice that can attract coffee enthusiasts seeking a unique and indulgent coffee experience. Duo Cherry emphasises the combination of naturally dried and fresh cherries, which processed together convey a smooth and luxurious texture.

Chiroso is a mutation of an Ethiopian Landrace originally found in Colombia in the province of Antioquia (Urrao). It is a rare variety to find, which stands out both in the appearance of elongated beans as well as its sensory traits. We can refer to Chiroso as our domesticated Gesha (also spelled Geisha).

Jhoan Vergara is one of Colombia’s most exciting young specialty coffee producers, representing a new generation redefining what Huila coffees can be. Born in Pitalito in 1996, Jhoan grew up immersed in coffee farming and now leads production at Las Flores Farm in Acevedo. With a strong foundation in traditional Colombian coffee growing, he has combined family knowledge with modern experimentation, focusing on precision, consistency, and expressive flavour profiles that stand out on the world stage.

At Las Flores, Jhoan works across a diverse range of varieties including Chiroso, Java, Gesha, Pink Bourbon, and Sidra, pairing each with carefully designed fermentation and drying protocols. His coffees are known for their clarity, intensity, and distinctive character, making them highly sought after by specialty roasters and frequently selected for international barista competitions. Today, Las Flores is widely regarded as a reference farm for innovative Colombian processing and competition-level quality, with Jhoan Vergara firmly established as one of the producers shaping the future of specialty coffee.

We sourced this competition coffee lot through LOHAS BEANS who work directly with the farmer and air freight the beans as soon as they are ready from processing.

Click here to view all our coffees that are sourced from LOHAS BEANS

Lohas Beans is a Colombian exporter that works alongside some of the country’s most respected and forward-thinking producers, helping bring standout Colombian coffees to the global stage. Their lots have appeared in competitions, been served in top cafés around the world, and enjoyed by dedicated home brewers. While Lohas Beans are not producers themselves, they source and offer distinctive, high-quality lots for discerning coffee drinkers by collaborating with leading Colombian producers, including the Vergara Brothers, the Lasso Brothers, Jhonathan Gasca, Orlando Ospina, and Paola Trujillo.