This coffee originates from Finca Betania in Palestina, Huila, Colombia at 1800 meters altitude. It is a Washed Gesha varietal from farmer Linarco Rodriguez. The beans were selectively harvested and floated for separation, then fermented for 90 hours in sealed barrels and dried on a covered patio for 15-25 days. The flavor profile features anise, brown sugar, and white lilac notes with a roast character rooted in spices and light white florals.
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.
