Gesha
Hybrid Washed
Mikava Estates, Marsella (Ultralight)

Tastes Like: Yellow Florals, Meyer Lemon, Mix Berries

Origin: Marsella, Risaralda, Colombia 

Variety: Gesha

Producer: Paul and Kevin Doyle 

Elevation: 1,700 masl

Process: Hybrid Washed 

This Hybrid Washed Gesha comes from Mikava, a farm known for precision processing and competition-level quality. Run by Paul and his son Kevin, Mikava focuses on small, day-by-day harvests—an uncommon practice in Colombia that demands exceptional attention to detail. Paul’s background spans decades in coffee, beginning with operating a coffee cart, then roasting, and eventually founding the farm in the early 2010s. Today, Paul, and now with the help of his son, Kevin; their coffees continue to appear on national and world stages.

In November, our visit to Mikava took us to Marsella in Risaralda, a region situated far from major urban centers. Reaching the farm involves hours of driving through winding mountain roads, passing through a series of small towns and rural communities. The remote setting highlights just how much logistical effort and planning goes into producing coffee, especially when in small volumes like Mikava, in this part of Colombia. Upon arrival, we were able to explore Mikava with Paul and Kevin and taste + select coffees. This hybrid washed Gesha was one of the two coffees we selected, 

This lot is processed using Mikava’s hybrid washed method, where cherries undergo a short fermentation before being fully washed. Depending on factors like sugar content, temperature, and varietal, this approach can highlight different aspects of the cup, ranging from intense clarity to subtle complexity. Fermentation takes place in thick-walled steel tanks designed to maintain stable temperatures. These tanks can be rotated to ensure even microbial activity throughout the batch. After fermentation, the coffee is dried one cherry thick on raised and shaded beds for optimal control of airflow and temperature. Mikava also employs controlled silo drying to maintain cleanliness and consistency.

During selection, this Hybrid Washed Gesha stood out for its round and juicy mouthfeel and refined acidity. The cup presents soft, elegant florals supported by a gentle roundness that carries through the finish. This Gesha distinguished itself through its clarity, composure, and nuanced expression. It’s a coffee that demonstrates how thoughtful processing can elevate Gesha’s natural delicacy into a clean, polished, and memorable profile.