This lot from Emerson Felipe Narváez offers a more transparent and classic expression of SL-28, highlighting clarity, structure, and elegance. Produced at Finca El Turpial in Cumbitara, Nariño, this fully washed version showcases Emerson’s precision and versatility as a producer, revealing how process alone can dramatically reshape the character of the same variety grown on the same land.
Finca El Turpial
Located at 2,200 meters above sea level in the mountains of Cumbitara, Nariño, Finca El Turpial spans 30 hectares, with one hectare dedicated exclusively to SL-28. Emerson, a second-generation farmer, has built his project around high-elevation farming, selective harvesting, and a deep commitment to specialty coffee as a long-term alternative in a challenging region.
Against prevailing skepticism, Emerson invested in exotic varieties and meticulous processing, often working alone due to labor shortages. His persistence paid off with multiple top placements in the Mi Nariño competition, validating his approach and enabling him to continue expanding and refining his vision. Today, El Turpial stands as a symbol of what dedication and belief can achieve in Nariño’s remote highlands.
Varietal & Process
Variety: SL-28
Process: Fully Washed
Fermentation: Traditional washed fermentation with full mucilage removal
Drying: Sun-dried on raised beds
Altitude: 2,200 m
Producer: Emerson Felipe Narváez — Finca El Turpial, Cumbitara, Nariño, Colombia
Harvest: June 2025
For this fully washed lot, cherries are harvested at peak ripeness, carefully floated, pulped, and fermented before thorough washing with clean water. The complete removal of mucilage prior to drying emphasizes purity and definition, allowing the SL-28’s natural acidity and aromatic complexity to take center stage. At this elevation, slower fermentation and drying contribute to a refined and balanced cup profile.
Tasting Notes
🫐 Blackcurrant – 🍐 Pear – 🌱 Rhubarb
A structured and vibrant cup with crisp acidity and excellent clarity. Juicy dark fruit notes are balanced by fresh orchard sweetness and a subtle tartness, resulting in a clean, elegant finish and a distinctly Kenyan-inspired profile shaped by Colombian terroir.
In Collaboration
This fully washed SL-28 highlights Emerson’s ability to express terroir through process, offering a contrasting perspective to his more experimental fermentations. It stands as a clear, honest reflection of Finca El Turpial’s potential and Emerson’s ongoing commitment to quality, transparency, and resilience. We’re proud to share this refined expression of SL-28 — a coffee that speaks quietly but confidently of place, precision, and purpose.