In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of a Sulawesi coffee that completely transformed my understanding of what exceptional coffee could be. I discovered this remarkable bean over 10 years ago during my early roasting journey when I was still a novice, experimenting with a Fresh Roast and barely knowing what I was doing. I describe how this particular coffee had an almost purple flavor profile - juicy, acidic but not offensive, with an incredible fruitiness that persisted no matter how I roasted it. What shocked me most was that I could take this coffee across the entire roasting spectrum, from light to dark, and it remained consistently excellent every single time.
I reflect on how this coffee became like a dear friend that eventually disappeared from my life, much like relationships that naturally end after a season. I share the frustration of trying to find similar Sulawesi coffees from other sources that never quite matched that original magic. Through this story, I explore the deeper lessons this coffee taught me about cherishing exceptional moments, preserving memories, and understanding that some experiences are meant to be temporary but transformative. By listening to this episode, you'll gain insight into how a single extraordinary coffee can shape a roaster's entire philosophy and learn why sometimes the ones that got away teach us the most valuable lessons about appreciation and presence.
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