Colombia, Ají Natural
ACIDITY
BODY
| Producer |
Natural |
| Cultivar |
Ají Landrace |
| Process |
Natural |
| Location |
Maraca, Pitalito, Huila |
| Altitude |
1798 masl
|
| Harvest | January 2025 |
Expect notes of Strawberry, Caramelised Peach, Grape
Ají is a rare coffee variety not often seen with an interesting story. Named Ají by José Herman Salazar, who stumbled upon it on his farm, La Guaca, in Pitalito, Colombia. José noticed a distinct sweet red pepper scent wafting through the air during the cherry harvest from some of his coffee trees that looked slightly different. Intrigued, he decided to isolate these trees and process coffee exclusively from them. José submitted it to the Colombia Cup of Excellence and secured 6th place. This achievement is no small feat from over a thousand submissions. While José's coffee didn't clinch the top spot, it became a standout from the competition, the organisers were astounded by the taste profile of this coffee and had never encountered the Ají variety before. Intrigued, they decided to conduct genetic testing to confirm its uniqueness. The results revealed that this variety was a first-generation offspring from the wild coffee forests of Ethiopia, similar to Gesha.
This is now the third harvest in a row that we have purchased from Mr Salazar, will will bring back his usual anerobic washed he is famed for however this special lot has actually been processed naturally. This gives the coffee a more intense, jammy texture with some tropical tasting fruit. Think Blackcurrant Jam, Peach and Red Grapes, truly delicious.
We don’t label our coffee as espresso or filter. Instead, for each coffee we create a unique roasting profile, designed to bring out the best flavours from its origin, farm and milling method. That’s why, instead, we label our coffee based on the experience it brings to the cup.
COFFEE EXPERIENCES
RARE & ACCLAIMED: Truly special stuff, from rare lots to award-winning coffees.
Coffee however you choose. Available in 250g or 1kg bags.
Our selection of coffees: George Street Blend, Donna Blend, Roaster's Choice Single Origin or Decaf. In Whole Bean or Ground.
Save up to 20% on every order, with free, letterbox-friendly delivery within the UK.
Easy-to-manage subscriptions: change, skip or cancel at any time.
We believe that coffee can be a powerful force for good. That’s why we’re proud to source ethically, to roast responsibly, and to be a totally carbon negative coffee company – all of our coffees, coffee pods and coffee products are certified carbon negative. And that’s not the only thing we’re doing to protect our planet, and our people. Read More
UK Orders:
For UK orders, we offer the following shipping options to choose from.
Orders under £50:
Standard Carbon Neutral Delivery (Packfleet) 2-3 working days: £3.90
Orders over £50:
Express Carbon Neutral Delivery (Packfleet) 1-2 working days: FREE
Free Shipping on all UK Subscription orders.
For International orders, shipping costs will be calculated at checkout. Orders will be sent via DHL Express.
For EU orders, shipping costs will be calculated at checkout. Orders will be sent via Royal Mail.
Custom Duties and Import VAT
Please note, when a package is shipped internationally, it may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and/or fees imposed by the destination country. These charges will typically be due once the shipped goods arrive at the country of destination, so we do our best to estimate them at checkout instead.
Kiss the Hippo at home
Organic and delicious coffees and coffee pods, sustainably sourced and roasted. Dispatched fresh after roasting and delivered straight through your letterbox. You’re in full control of your deliveries - delay or cancel anytime.
Kiss the Hippo at home
Organic and delicious coffees and coffee pods, sustainably sourced and roasted. Dispatched fresh after roasting and delivered straight through your letterbox. You’re in full control of your deliveries - delay or cancel anytime.
KISS THE HIPPO CARES
We believe that coffee can be a powerful force for good. That’s why we’re proud to source ethically, roast responsibly, and to be a totally carbon negative coffee company, with all of our coffees, coffee pods and coffee products certified carbon negative.
And that’s not the only thing we’re doing to protect our planet, and our people.
KISS THE HIPPO CARES
We believe that coffee can be a powerful force for good. That’s why we’re proud to source ethically, roast responsibly, and to be a totally carbon negative coffee company, with all of our coffees, coffee pods and coffee products certified carbon negative.
And that’s not the only thing we’re doing to protect our planet, and our people.
What our guests are saying...
‘Loving the pods! They’re awesome! :)’
– David G.
‘The best coffee. Organic, sustainable, delicious. Kiss the Hippo, you are the future of coffee!’
– Jocelyne M.
‘Sooo good! Will definitely be buying more.’
– Will S.
‘Take it from a serious coffee fanatic, it was REALLY great! Thanks again!’
– Dubfire
‘Thank you so much, it’s incredible. The best coffee I’ve ever had at home by a looong way!’
– Matt M.
‘Thanks for a great coffee, as always.’
– Tiffany
Always my favourite! Kiss the Hippo always delivers, no matter the origin or the bean. 100% recommend!’
– Susie
‘Amazing coffee, the best I have tasted in a very long time. Thank you!’
– Christ Witty
‘Such delicious coffee, thank you!’
– Chelsea
‘Thank you so much! My delivery arrived this morning and I’ve been in heaven since. The coffee is amazing. Thank you again!’
– Drew M.
‘I love coffee, and love what you guys are doing with creating the ultimate coffee experience. Your contribution to making positive choices and dedicating to innovative and sustainable solutions is incredible.’
– Ed
“The best cup of coffee, decaf or otherwise, I’ve ever had – It actually regained my faith in coffee!”
– Tom