Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed – A New Wave in the World of Washed Coffee Processing

With more than a decade devoted to agriculture, Jose “Pepe” Ignacio Jijón entered the world of coffee on a path quite different from that of most farmers around him. Trained as a psychologist and passionate about mountaineering and exploring nature, Pepe approaches agriculture with the sensitivity of an observer and the perseverance of someone in constant pursuit of knowledge. His journeys across multiple continents deepened his appreciation for cultural diversity, and among them, coffee culture became the place where he found his most enduring passion.

At Finca Soledad, Pepe’s spirit of innovation is not driven by impulsive decisions, but shaped through intuition, calculated risk-taking, and an openness to continuous learning. He consistently experiments with new processing methods, refines operational workflows, and closely observes even the smallest changes throughout fermentation, drying, and storage. This scientific yet instinctive approach gives coffees from Finca Soledad a distinctive signature: a balance between advanced technique and the genuine dedication of the producer.

Finca Soledad is not solely focused on quality; it is also a project with deep community impact. Pepe and his family prioritize employing and supporting single mothers in the region, paying weekly wages and ensuring stable income so they can better care for their families. By actively creating job opportunities for local women, Finca Soledad has become a sustainable anchor where economic development and community well-being are nurtured together.

All of the values, philosophies, and innovative spirit cultivated at Finca Soledad are fully expressed in the Finca Soledad Wave Washed lot. This coffee is the result of inheriting and further developing the foundation Pepe has built: meticulous attention, sensitivity to the coffee seed, a spirit of thoughtful experimentation, and a strong commitment to the community. Each bean in the Finca Soledad Wave Washed lot reflects Pepe’s approach, scientific yet intuitive, preserving structure, natural flavor, and the characteristic depth of varieties grown in the highlands of Valle de Intag.

The Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed lot stands out thanks to the refined combination of processing method and the inherent flavor identity of its variety and growing region. This harmony between subtle technical intervention and natural expression creates the distinctive character of the Wave Washed lot where science and intuition come together to honor the original value of each coffee seed.

The Wave Washed Processing Method

Within the world of washed processing, Wave Washed represents a small yet meaningful advancement. Still part of the traditional washed family, this method is refined to reduce aggressive impact on the coffee embryo – the “living” core that determines structure and flavor potential. What differentiates Wave Washed is its gentle and precise treatment of the embryo, allowing the bean to pass through fermentation without losing its natural identity.

At the heart of this method is the use of temperature waves – controlled cycles that alternate between higher and lower temperatures. Instead of maintaining a fixed fermentation environment, these deliberate temperature shifts help keep the embryo stable, minimizing “thermal stress” commonly seen in conventional fermentations. When the embryo remains healthy and stable, the structure of sugars, acids, and volatile compounds is better preserved, resulting in a cleaner and more balanced flavor profile.

At Finca Soledad, Wave Washed is not merely a technique but the culmination of years of observation and experimentation by Pepe. Situated in the high mountains of Valle de Intag with its unique microclimate, Pepe continuously seeks processing approaches that respect the “life” within each coffee seed.

Rather than following trends toward aggressive fermentations that create dramatic flavors, he chooses a more refined path: minimal yet intentional intervention, grounded in microbiological understanding and sensory sensitivity. Wave Washed is a clear expression of this philosophy – a method where science and intuition meet to create sustainable innovation.

Flavor identity of a coffee from Valle de Intag

The Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed lot carries a clear imprint of Valle de Intag, where high altitude, year-round cool climate, and mineral-rich soils allow coffee trees to grow slowly and steadily. This growth rhythm enables beans to accumulate sugars and acids in balance, forming a foundation of clarity and depth. The Wave Washed method acts as a subtle “amplifier,” highlighting terroir-driven characteristics without masking or distorting them.

In the cup, the opening aroma evokes delicate jasmine – light, clean, and refined. This floral expression is typical of the Sydra variety grown at high altitude and processed under well-controlled fermentation. Rather than dominating, it serves as a guiding aromatic layer, creating a clean and open introduction to the experience.

The mid-palate reveals clearer notes of blackcurrant, bringing a sense of ripe fruit with bright acidity and defined structure.

This layer reflects the natural accumulation of organic acids under Intag’s cool climate and wide day – night temperature range. The blackcurrant note adds depth and vibrancy without becoming sharp or aggressive.

In the finish, passion fruit appears gently yet persistently, delivering a fresh, lightly sweet sensation. This layer harmonizes sweetness and acidity, resulting in a clean, smooth, and pleasant aftertaste. The flavor identity of this lot is defined by balance and clarity where floral notes, fruit character, and structure naturally converge, reflecting the deep connection between the Sydra variety, highland terroir, and the carefully refined Wave Washed method at Finca Soledad.

The Sydra Wave Washed lot from Finca Soledad arrives at XLIII Coffee through direct trade, reflecting our long-term commitment to transparency and fairness in the coffee value chain. Without multiple intermediaries, value is transferred directly to the producer. For this lot, XLIII Coffee paid 55 USD/kg to Pepe and the team at Finca Soledad – a price that acknowledges the effort behind experimenting with new processing methods and the farm’s dedication to sustainable development.

Once the coffee reached XLIII Coffee, we chose an extremely-light roast to avoid obscuring the original qualities preserved by the Wave Washed process. At this roast level, Maillard reactions barely touch the bean, allowing drinkers to fully experience the Sydra variety’s structure: clarity, deep sweetness, refined florals, and lively yet harmonious acidity. This is the roast profile we believe most faithfully conveys the spirit of Finca Soledad – minimal intervention, maximum expression.

Therefore, the Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed you are about to experience is not merely a new coffee release, but the culmination of farming philosophy, processing technique, and a sustainable trading relationship between people who truly believe in the value of quality. From experiments deep in the mountains of Valle de Intag to the cup in your hands, this journey demonstrates how technical precision and human-centered production can come together to create something truly special.

XLIII Coffee looks forward to sharing this special experience from our first Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed lot with you!

Images in this journal are owned by Finca Soledad and XLIII Coffee.

1. What role does the terroir of Valle de Intag play in shaping flavor?

Valle de Intag features a cool climate, stable humidity, and mineral-rich volcanic soils, allowing coffee trees to grow slowly and accumulate sugars effectively. As a result, the beans develop high natural sweetness, clean structure, and delicate floral–fruit characteristics.

2. Is Wave Washed an exclusive method of Finca Soledad?

Wave Washed is not a registered proprietary method, but it is primarily developed and refined at Finca Soledad. Its minimal-intervention philosophy and site-specific temperature control give the resulting coffee a distinct identity.

3. What are the dominant flavor notes of Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed?

The primary flavor notes are jasmine, blackcurrant, and passion fruit, showcasing the clarity and refinement of the Wave Washed process. The cup is clean, deeply sweet, with bright yet gentle acidity, and a balanced, lingering finish that clearly reflects Valle de Intag’s terroir.

4. Why did XLIII Coffee choose an extremely-light roast for this lot?

Extremely-light roasting preserves the natural flavor layers protected by the Wave Washed process, especially the sweetness and clarity of the Sydra variety. At this level, the terroir and processing identity of Finca Soledad are expressed most transparently.

5. Is Finca Soledad Sydra Wave Washed suitable for newcomers to specialty coffee?

Yes. This lot offers a clean structure, approachable profile, and balanced acidity that is not overwhelming. Its refined yet accessible flavor makes it an excellent introduction to specialty coffee in a gentle and natural way.