Sakura Bashi (De Fer x Tekko)

CUPPING NOTES
Cherry blossom, strawberry, caramel, juicy.

MORE ABOUT THIS COFFEE

Tekko
Tekko is Pennsylvania's largest Japanese pop culture and anime convention. Each year it welcomes a diverse group of over 10,000 guests from across the state, country, and world to Pittsburgh.

The convention runs from July 23rd-26th this year, and will feature appearances from popular voice actors and world-class cosplayers, events showcasing Japanese fashion culture, and musical performances from multiple Japanese artists.

With so much to enjoy across the weekend, there’s a little something for everyone at Tekko.

You can find more information about the convention on Tekko’s website and their official Instagram account: @teamtekko.

The Coffees
Kenya - Muinami Estate:
Muinami Estate is the local name for what Stephen Nendela himself calls Nawiri, the 26-acre farm in the Cherangani Hills that he began rebuilding after the success of a smaller six-acre sugarcane-to-coffee conversion he started with his mother near Eldoret in 2015. Muinami is Stephen’s family name, meaning “those who work,” while Nawiri means “prosperity”—both suit the place. At roughly 1,900 meters, with forest interspersed and brisk overnight temperatures for much of the year, there is a palpably cooler microclimate here than elsewhere in the West. Of the 26 acres, about 14 are under coffee, with the balance dedicated to agroforestry, beekeeping, nursery space, and the broader farm system that Stephen and his farm manager, Linet, continue to build out.

Colombia - Jairo Arcila:
Jairo Arcila is a third-generation coffee grower from Quindio, Colombia. He is married to Luz Helena Salazar and they have two children together, Carlos and Felipe Arcila. Jairo’s first job was at Colombia’s second-largest exporter, working as their Mill Manager for over 40 years until his retirement in 2019.

Jairo has received great advice and guidance from his sons who are now experts in producing Specialty Coffee. With their help, Jairo has greatly improved the picking, sorting, and processing of his coffees. His sons have also guided Jairo in the production of exotic varieties. He now grows varieties like Pink Bourbon, Java, Papayo ,and Gesha growing across his farms. The guidance from his sons has empowered Jairo and given him the tools needed to produce fantastic coffees with amazing flavor profiles.

Courtesy of Crop to Cup, and Cofinet

GROWER
Muinami Estate: Stephen Nendela (Single Estate)

Quindio: Santa Monica Farm, Jairo Arcila

ELEVATION
1,450 - 1,900 Meters

VARIETY
Castillo, Caturra, Typica

PROCESSING
Different processing methods were used for each coffee that makes up this blend.

Washed - Coffee is washed at washing station and left to dry on raised beds until ideal moisture content is achieved.

Honey Process Wine Yeast+Strawberry Co-Fermentation - Coffee is exposed to a dry anaerobic fermentation for a period of 72 hours with the pulp on. During this stage ripe strawberries and wine yeast are added. Cherries are then pulped removing the outer skin, keeping the mucilage intact (honey process) and placed on raised beds to dry until the ideal moisture content is achieved.