A Colombian single-origin coffee from the Quebraditas farm in Oporapa, Huila region at 1850 meters elevation, grown by farmer Edinson Argote. Variety is Typica Mejorado. Processing involves selective harvesting (minimum 80% ripe cherries), a 12-hour oxidation period, dry pulping, 24-hour post-pulping oxidation with thermal shock at 45°C, 36-hour aerobic fermentation below 25°C with specific yeast cultures, and mechanical drying for 76 hours at 40°C. Flavor profile features hi-chew acidity and makgeolli (rice wine) sweetness.
Brian Zhou runs Thoughtful Coffee as a one person nanoroaster operation in Brooklyn, New York. A software engineer by profession, Zhou financed an Aillio Bullet home roaster and built the business around three core values: transparency in pricing and process, humane relationships over profit maximization, and strict quality control. The focus is on small batch light roasts with floral, fruity, and complex profiles, sourcing unusual and distinctively processed coffees at accessible prices. Zhou documents his roasting process and collects customer feedback openly through a Substack publication, making the entire operation as legible as possible.
