Chapter 3: A Sip of Bolivia’s Finest
For our latest coffee adventure, we ventured into Bolivia’s Caranavi Province (well, not literally—we don’t have that kind of budget). This time, we got our hands on a unique offering from Rojo's Roastery. Bolivia might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think of coffee, but after this cup, it’s definitely going on our map.
The Brewing Process
First things first: this coffee was roasted using an Anaerobic Natural Process. If that sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, you’re not alone. But hey, we’re all for letting beans do their thing in some oxygen-free chamber if it leads to great coffee!
We ground the beans to medium using our trusty Fellow grinder and went with the tried-and-true pour-over method. Water temp? A cool and calculated 195°F (we’re precise like that). We stuck to our classic 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio—more specifically, 18 grams of beans for every 300ml of water. Because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Plus, we’re software folks. Consistency is key.
The Sensory Experience
Now, let’s talk about the smell—because wow. The beans hit us with aromas we didn’t even know coffee could have. Candied strawberries? Check. White wine grapes? Check. A touch of tea? Why not!
As the water hit the grounds, the magic really started. Those fruity, floral notes we smelled before got louder, but in a way that felt even more inviting. It was like they were saying, “Come closer, we’re just getting started.”
Tasting Notes
When it came time to taste, Craig, our in-house coffee connoisseur, noted the mouthfeel was heavy on the tannins—kind of like a good Italian Nebbiolo. If you’re not into wine comparisons, just know that it was rich, bold, and left an impression. The flavor was a bit more subdued than the nose led us to believe, but still present enough to keep things interesting.
As usual, Craig couldn’t resist adding his signature touch: a drizzle of local honey. The result? It smoothed the edges of the flavor, turning it into something that felt almost dessert-like. Who knew morning coffee could feel this indulgent?
Value and Recommendation
At $22 for a 12oz bag, this one’s not exactly a budget-friendly everyday brew, but it’s definitely worth trying. It’s unique, floral, and feels a little fancier than your typical cup of joe. We wouldn’t make it our daily drinker, but it’s the kind of coffee you pull out when you want to impress someone—or just treat yourself to something special, and a little weird.
Our Verdict
In a nutshell, Rojo’s Bolivia offering is the perfect coffee to serve to close out the night after hosting dinner guests. It’s sophisticated, it’s got flair, and it’s sure to spark some “Wow, where’d you get this?” moments. It’s the coffee equivalent of wearing your favorite fancy outfit to a low-key dinner party.
Score: 8.9