CHIROSO by Wilton Benitez

ABOUT

In recent years, demand for rare and exclusive varieties has increased in specialty coffee – mostly as a result of their presence at high level competitions.

There are, however, still some varieties which we know much less about. Nonetheless, they still have the potential to become more popular because of their unique flavours and high cup quality. 

Chiroso – a relatively unknown arabica variety – is one of these coffees. Although there is a lot of myth surrounding the origins of Chiroso, information about where it comes from is becoming more readily available. 

As with many other rare varieties and species, the exact origins of Chiroso are unknown. It is, however, commonly grown in Urrao – a municipality in southwest Antioquia, Colombia.

Chiroso is a slang word in rural Colombia for something that’s slightly elongated.  It is not a very common word, but because of the variety’s elongated beans, producers gave it that name.

Wilton Benitez, the well know producer from Cauca, has won several prices, the Golden Bean in 2022, the best cup of Cauca in 2023 and in 2024, Edwin Tascón, who is part of Edwin's team, has become Colombia's barista champion.

This exceptional coffee is best enjoyed in a filter preparation.  For filter preparations, we recommend a preparation with 6.5 grams per cup of 200 ml, grinding medium  (7 EK43 grinder) and leaving 2 t o 3minutes to extract in 4 swirls.