At a Glance
Hasbean have been one of the UK’s most serious specialty roasters since 2002. Unlike many roasters who’ve chased volume, they’ve maintained a focus on traceability, direct trade relationships, and coffees that actually tell you something about where they came from. The Colombia El Paraíso Washed is a prime example.
The Farm and Processing
El Paraíso (“Paradise”) is a farm in Huila, Colombia, run by Diego Samuel Bermúdez, one of the more celebrated figures in Colombian specialty coffee, known for meticulous fermentation-controlled processing. The washed process here involves a precisely temperature-controlled fermentation that’s become Bermúdez’s signature: clean, complex, with a distinctive florality.
This isn’t just marketing. The farm’s processing genuinely produces cups with unusual precision.
Aroma
Freshly ground, the aroma is remarkable: mandarin orange, jasmine, and a hint of ripe peach. Very floral for a washed Colombian. Most washed Colombian coffees are more classically nutty and caramel-led. The light roast level preserves the origin character faithfully.
In the Cup: Filter
Brewed as a pour-over (V60, Chemex) at 93°C with a 3-minute draw-down:
- Colour: Light amber, transparent
- Aroma in cup: Mandarin, jasmine
- Taste: Bright mandarin citrus upfront, mid-palate sweetness of brown sugar, a floral note that lingers into the finish. Clean, lively acidity, not harsh but present.
- Body: Light to medium, silky
- Finish: Clean with a lasting citrus sweetness
This is a coffee that rewards attention. Sip it slowly. It changes as it cools. By the time it’s at 55–60°C, the sweetness intensifies and the florals emerge more clearly.
In the Cup: AeroPress
Brewed as a concentrated filter: the mandarin stays but the body increases noticeably, with more of the brown sugar character. A very satisfying approach if you want something between filter and espresso.
As Espresso
Technically possible, but not recommended. Light-roasted washed single-origins as espresso require extreme precision to avoid sourness. This is a filter coffee. Brew it that way.
Hasbean’s Sourcing Model
Hasbean publish extensive origin information on every coffee they sell, including farm name, region, producer, variety, altitude, and processing method. They pay above Fair Trade minimum as a baseline and work on long-term direct trade relationships. You’re not paying extra for a vague ethical claim. You’re paying for a specific coffee from a specific farm.
Value
£11.50 for 250g (£4.60/100g) puts this on the pricier end for specialty single-origins. It’s justified. This level of processing precision and origin transparency commands a premium. For everyday drinking it might feel indulgent, but as a weekly treat or for filter coffee enthusiasts, it’s worth every penny.
Who It’s Best For
- Filter coffee enthusiasts who enjoy light, complex, origin-forward coffees
- Anyone who appreciates precision processing and traceability
- V60 or Chemex brewers looking for something exceptional
- A step up from “nice specialty” to “genuinely memorable”
Verdict
One of the most interesting coffees I’ve come across from a UK roaster, and a genuine stoater of a filter coffee. The El Paraíso process produces something that genuinely stands out: the florality and citrus clarity are unusual and exciting. If you’re a serious filter coffee drinker, this is essential buying.
Rating: 4.7/5
Frequently Asked Questions
What brewing method works best for this coffee? Pour-over (V60 or Chemex) or AeroPress as a filter. The clarity of the washed process is best showcased in a clean brewing method. Cafetière works but produces a muddier cup that obscures the florality.
Is Hasbean good for coffee subscriptions? Yes. Hasbean offer a flexible subscription service where you can select specific coffees or receive their recommendation. Their range is particularly good if you enjoy single-origins and want to explore different origins and processing methods systematically.
How does Hasbean compare to other UK specialty roasters? Hasbean sit at the serious end of the specialty spectrum, comparable to Square Mile Red Brick, Workshop Coffee Cult of Done, and similar London roasters in quality and approach. They’re particularly strong on transparency and sourcing depth. Their range is broad enough for both entry-level specialty and experienced enthusiasts.