Black Sheep | Ximeng Village, Yunnan | Marty Pollack
Black Sheep | Ximeng Village, Yunnan | Marty Pollack
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Origin: Ximeng Village, Pu'er, Yunnan, China
Producer: Marty Pollack
Process: Double Anaerobic
Variety: Catimor
Tasting Notes: Chocolate Liqueur, Tropical Fruits, Vanilla Bean, Berry Hard Candy
Black Sheep is a unique experimental coffee that undergoes an intricate double anaerobic fermentation process, designed to enhance the complexity of its flavors. The journey begins with a 30-day anaerobic fermentation, during which the coffee cherries are deprived of oxygen. This method intensifies the fruity and floral notes of the coffee by allowing specific microorganisms to thrive and contribute to flavor development. After this initial fermentation, the beans are dried until they reach a 35% moisture level, which is critical for locking in the flavors developed during the first stage.
Following this, the coffee undergoes a second, sealed 20-day fermentation. This additional anaerobic stage further refines the flavor profile, adding depth and complexity. The controlled environment allows for more precise manipulation of the coffee’s characteristics, often resulting in bold, unique tastes. Finally, the coffee is dried to a moisture content of 10-12%, the ideal range for preserving the integrity and quality of the beans. This meticulous process gives Black Sheep its distinctive, experimental profile, often characterized by intense, layered flavors that push the boundaries of traditional coffee processing.
From the importer: "The area surrounding Ximeng (where the coffee is from) has turned out some of the world's most respected and foremost high ferment teas. Pu'erh (or Pu'er) tea is renowned for its distinctive complexity, longevity and diverse flavor experience. You can think of this coffee as the younger cousin of that centuries-long tea tradition. There are always multiple experiments happening and this is the result of seeing what would happen if fermentation times were taken to the extreme. The result is a coffee that is interestingly complex with a heavy and creamy body that almost clings without being cloying or sour. We're proud of this coffee, proud to be from Yunnan and looking forward to the future."
