Iris Estate is here to celebrate terroir-based processing and the work of the producer.

Iris Estate is the latest farm project that began with three very talented coffee professionals who each had a clear vision about where they wanted coffee to go. They believe that specialty coffee should reflect the terroir in which beans grow and not be a representation of processing styles, and this is how we find the perfect cup. To begin this catalogue of terroir representation, producer Jamison Savage planted several different varietals across the Estate at varying altitudes but did not remove or adjust any part of the natural landscape or forest to do so. He believes that we should do as little work as possible to the ecosystem at the farm, as this allows the coffee cherries to fully express all the natural flavours and elements that exist within its area. With this ethos in mind, Finca Iris Estate is blossoming into a representation of how super specialty coffee growing can be, and it is the three producers’ goal to share as much of this work with the wider world as possible.

The Fermentation

Horizon began with the harvest of perfectly ripe Panama Geisha cherries (21–24 BRIX), which were double-sorted before being placed in hermetically sealed stainless steel tanks. A specific yeast strain was inoculated into the tanks, initiating an anaerobic fermentation lasting over 100 hours. During this phase, the yeast consumed much of the fruit pulp, generating prominent fruit notes and floral aromatics that were absorbed by the seeds—resulting in enhanced acidity, aromatics, and body in the cup.

Throughout fermentation, pH and temperature were closely monitored to maintain strict quality control and avoid off-notes. Post-fermentation, the cherries were dried on shaded, three-tiered raised beds for around 12 days, with temperature and humidity carefully regulated. After reaching ~11% moisture, they were stored in Grain-pro bags for a reposo phase—stabilizing moisture and allowing flavour to deepen. Final preparation included hulling, and sorting by size, density, and colour.