Roaster’s Report - Nicaragua La Bastilla Estate Gesha Anaerobic

Source: Genuine Origin

Country: Nicaragua

Growing region: Jinotega

Elevation: 1300-1500 masl

Coffee varieties: Gesha

Processing: Anaerobic

Cupping Score: 88

Coffee description: Finca La Bastilla produces up to 150 micro-lots per year. The estate is made up of multiple micro-farms, each with their own microclimates. Additionally, the estate is the only specialty Arabica estate in Nicaragua to fully integrate all processes, from cherry to export, right on-site at the farm level. Delicate varieties like geisha are grown at higher elevations to take advantage of the colder temperatures.

The estate pays close attention to quality control and proactive agronomy practices, but also to the welfare of its permanent and seasonal workers. It’s important for Finca La Bastilla to maintain long term relationships with harvest laborers, and facilities like daycare and family dormitories go a long way to improving their quality of life.

La Bastilla started experimenting with anaerobic coffee three years ago after purchasing four stainless steel tanks equipped with temperature control and valves to pull out mucilage samples. As microorganisms metabolize the sugars in the coffee cherries, oxygen is depleted from the tanks, and they enter an anaerobic state. The microorganisms produce distinct acids, like lactic acid, that influence the flavor profile of the coffee. This meticulous process requires monitoring the temperature and pH level of the tank. Mucilage samples are taken throughout the process and checked for quality and consistency.

The anaerobic fermentation process, in conjunction with careful quality sorting and stellar agronomy practices, can lead to a complex and desirable cup profile.

We taste notes of: fresh blueberry, star fruit, and white grapes

Green coffee transparency: 130lbs @ 12.00/lb, July 2025 (Commodity coffee price: $3.20/lb. Why is this important? Coffee pricing is complex and multifaceted, and sharing what we paid is an incomplete picture, but we believe in sharing the data we have available, hoping that will embolden others to do the same, with the ultimate goal of getting producers fairer pay for their excellent work.)

Length of Relationship: Genuine Origin since 2017. La Bastilla Since 2023

Get more: Buy here

If you want to learn more about how we would brew this coffee, click here for our brew guides.