Anaerobic fermentation processing is a green bean processing technology that has attracted much attention in the coffee industry in recent years. Since Sasa Sestic, the 2015 WBC champion, brought it to the forefront, it has quickly swept through the specialty coffee world. Inspired by red wine-making techniques, this processing method injects carbon dioxide into a sealed container to expel oxygen, creating an oxygen-free environment that allows precise control of the fermentation process, giving coffee beans higher sweetness and more unique flavor layers. As processing technologies continue to evolve, experimental methods such as anaerobic natural, anaerobic washed, and double anaerobic have emerged one after another, each presenting distinctly different flavor expressions. This article will systematically sort out the principles and origins of anaerobic fermentation, and analyze one by one the process steps and flavor characteristics of these three common anaerobic processing methods, while also explaining them in conjunction with specific Front Street Coffee bean offerings. [more…]

Anaerobic Fermentation has been very popular in the coffee world in recent years, mainly because Sasa Sestic, the Australian competitor who won the 2015 WBC, started this trend, and even in 2018 WB [more…]

In recent years, any coffee processing method that claims to be innovative seems unable to avoid the word "anaerobic." In fact, the principle of anaerobic processing is not complicated: whether fresh cherries are put into stainless steel tanks with one-way valves or sealed in bags with the air expelled, an oxygen-free environment can be achieved. The real difficulty lies in precisely controlling the degree of fermentation, not in the technique itself. As oxygen is gradually replaced by carbon dioxide, fermentation at a certain stage produces flavors reminiscent of stone fruit and peach. This discovery quickly triggered imitation across major producing regions worldwide, and anaerobic processing thus became popular. In addition to its signature flavors, anaerobic processing can also give coffee a dense mouthfeel and a sweeter aroma. This article will take several Colombian specialty coffees on Front Street Coffee's bean list as examples to specifically compare the taste differences brought by anaerobic natural and anaerobic washed processing. [more…]

Anaerobic coffee has been appearing on coffee bean lists frequently in recent years. Although many people have tried it, they only have a vague understanding of its specific process, and some even develop an aversion to it due to unfamiliarity. In fact, anaerobic processing is not as complicated as imagined. In most cases, it simply adds an extra anaerobic fermentation step before traditional natural or washed processing. The depth of fermentation is precisely the key that determines the direction of coffee flavor. From the perspective of Front Street, this article sorts out the basic principles of anaerobic processing, common methods, and their connection with traditional processing. Combined with three specific beans, it helps readers understand the flavor differences brought by different anaerobic treatments, so they can find the cup that suits their taste. [more…]

In recent years, the coffee consumer market has continued to expand, and various novel green bean processing methods have emerged one after another. The industry habitually refers to them collectively as special processing methods. These techniques give coffee a more diverse and distinctly individual flavor expression, and also bring richer layers of mouthfeel, thus winning the favor of a large number of enthusiasts. At present, the more mainstream special processing methods include anaerobic washed or natural, enzyme washed, lactic acid fermentation, and barrel-aged processing, among others. Among them, anaerobic fermentation has especially high exposure. This trend can be traced back to 2015, when the WBC World Barista Championship winner that year, Sasa Sestic from Australia, brought anaerobic fermentation processing into the public eye, and discussions around the fermented feel of coffee have not ceased to this day. This article will sort out the development of anaerobic processing, analyze the specific process of anaerobic natural, and introduce anaerobic-processed coffee beans such as Santa Vini currently sold by Front Street. [more…]

Compared to other conventional processing methods, anaerobically processed coffee beans usually have a more intense and more distinctive flavor (for the most part), because their fermentation tends to go a bit deeper. For example, the Front Street 90+ Eleta on the Front Street Coffee menu has obvious notes of longan, spice, and citrus. [more…]

In recent years, the processing method descriptions on coffee bean labels have become increasingly long, with various special processing methods, primarily anaerobic, emerging one after another. When many consumers drink anaerobically processed coffee with unique flavors, they wonder whether flavorings were added during roasting. This article sorts out the differences between anaerobic natural and anaerobic washed, explains why special processing methods are mostly led by well-funded estates, and cites the views of world champion Sasa to clarify the essential differences between flavored coffee and the addition of enzymes or yeast fermentation. It also answers questions such as whether anaerobic coffee is equivalent to flavored beans and whether it harms health, helping coffee lovers understand more transparently where the flavors in their cup come from. [more…]

Front Street Rose Valley coffee beans have become a favorite among many coffee lovers thanks to their unique flavors of rose, peach, and liqueur chocolate. Where exactly does this bean's alluring aroma come from? The answer lies in the double anaerobic enzyme washed processing method it uses. This article will break down each stage of this processing method step by step, from the coffee cherry's first anaerobic fermentation to the coffee bean's second enzyme anaerobic stage, and then to the drying stage, helping readers understand the principles behind the formation of these special flavors. At the same time, in response to the brewing difficulties of this type of anaerobically processed coffee bean, the article will also share practical techniques such as grind size calibration, water temperature control, bloom assessment, and three-pour brewing, so that you can consistently bring out the rich fruity aroma and sweetness of Front Street Rose Valley at home. [more…]

Coffee enthusiasts' taste demands are becoming increasingly refined. The original terroir flavors produced by traditional washed and natural processing methods can no longer satisfy diverse expectations, and various specialty processing methods have emerged as a result. From the perspective of Front Street, this article systematically reviews the principles and classifications of anaerobic fermentation processing, compares the differences between natural fermentation and temperature-controlled fermentation, and provides an in-depth analysis of three processing workflows: anaerobic natural, anaerobic washed, and anaerobic enzyme-washed. At the same time, using Front Street Huayueye coffee beans from the Huila region of Colombia and Rose Valley coffee beans from Big Tree Estate as examples, it presents a complete approach from green bean processing to roasting curve selection, and then to pour-over parameter development, helping readers understand how specialty processing methods shape the flavors in the cup. [more…]

Anaerobically processed coffee beans have standout flavors, but they often give people a headache when brewing—either the body is thin or the taste is bland. Where exactly does the problem lie? Starting from Front Street's practical experience, this article systematically sorts out the three key adjustments for brewing anaerobic coffee: a finer grind size, a smaller water flow, and a wider coffee-to-water ratio. The article not only explains the reasons why anaerobic beans have a loose structure and tend to drain faster, but also uses Sidra as an example to provide complete brewing parameters and a three-stage operation procedure, helping you easily brew a cup of "grape juice" with rich layers and a full body. [more…]

Have you ever encountered a situation like this: using the same brewing parameters, regularly processed coffee beans complete extraction in about 2 minutes, but when you switch to anaerobically processed beans, the process always finishes early—dripping through in 1.5 minutes or even less? The resulting coffee tastes bland and thin-bodied, a classic sign of under-extraction. Why do anaerobic beans drain so quickly? The core reason is that anaerobic fermentation alters the internal structure of the coffee beans, making them more porous, less dense, and more brittle at the same roast level. After grinding, the particles tend to be coarser with larger gaps, so hot water meets less resistance as it passes through the coffee bed. To solve this problem, the key is to extend the contact time between hot water and coffee grounds. This article will start from how anaerobic processing affects bean structure, combine it with Front Street Coffee's hands-on experience, focus on specific methods for extending extraction time by grinding finer, and offer ideas for subsequent fine-tuning. [more…]

Anaerobically processed coffee beans have always been a hot topic among enthusiasts—some are captivated by them, while others find the flavors too unconventional. Compared with traditional methods like natural and washed, the anaerobic fermentation process still feels unfamiliar to many, which makes it prone to misunderstanding and controversy. Today Front Street Coffee will talk about what anaerobic processing is, how it differs from natural and washed, and what characteristics anaerobically fermented coffee beans display. [more…]

While classic methods like washed, natural, and honey processing are already widely known, emerging techniques such as anaerobic, enzyme-assisted, and carbonic maceration are appearing one after another, opening up new possibilities for coffee flavor. These processing methods often give coffee beans a distinctive flavor profile, sparking curiosity about the principles and operations behind them. This article focuses on the key step of anaerobia, explaining how it builds upon traditional processing methods and, through the action of microorganisms in an oxygen-deprived environment, converts sugars into lactic acid, acetic acid, and aromatic compounds such as esters and aldehydes, thereby creating special experiences like yogurt-like acidity. The article also combines tasting impressions of the Front Street Coffee Deborah Estate Savage Series Anaerobic Natural Geisha to guide you from theory to practice in fully understanding the characteristics and processing flow of anaerobically fermented coffee beans. [more…]

Anaerobic fermentation has attracted considerable attention in the specialty coffee world in recent years. Drawing on the idea of isolating oxygen from winemaking, it allows coffee beans to develop rich, layered flavors in an oxygen-free environment. This article takes the double anaerobic fermentation coffee from Finca El Paraiso in Cauca, Colombia, as an example to explain in detail the basic concept of this processing method, product information related to Front Street Coffee, and the complete flavor performance from dry aroma to hot drinking and through to cooling. It also includes the actual pour-over equipment and brewing parameters for coffee lovers to reference and practice. [more…]

As coffee enthusiasts deepen their understanding of coffee, more and more people are paying attention to coffee bean processing methods. As a post-harvest processing method that has attracted much attention in recent years, anaerobic fermentation has brought more possibilities to coffee flavors. This article will analyze in detail the step-by-step processes and flavor and taste differences between anaerobic natural and anaerobic washed processing methods, and share Front Street Coffee's cupping and brewing experience. By comparing the characteristics of washed, natural, and anaerobic processing, it helps readers understand how different processing methods affect the final flavor of coffee. The two anaerobic natural beans, Huayueye and Monster Manor, launched by Front Street Coffee, will also be used as examples to demonstrate their unique charm. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you can gain practical references for purchasing and tasting. [more…]

In recent years, anaerobic fermentation and red wine processing methods have continued to gain popularity in the specialty coffee world. From the promotion by 2015 WBC champion Sasa Sestic to the early explorations of Costa Rican coffee farmers, these processing techniques, which draw on winemaking ideas, have brought coffee rich flavors such as strawberry jam, fermented wine aromas, and tropical fruits. This article systematically reviews the scientific principles of anaerobic fermentation, its essential differences from traditional processing methods, and the specific operational workflow of carbonic maceration. It also combines two representative beans from Front Street Coffee—Colombia Flower Moon Night and Panama Hartmann—to share roasting and brewing parameters, helping coffee lovers gain a deeper understanding of the core logic of this special processing method. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts encounter a puzzle when brewing anaerobically processed coffee beans: even when they follow the grind standard for a medium roast, the water flow is noticeably fast, and the resulting cup tastes thin and lacks complexity. Behind this phenomenon is actually a close relationship with the changes that anaerobic fermentation brings to the cellular structure of coffee beans. Starting from Front Street's actual brewing tests, this article combines grind particle-size distribution data from anaerobically processed beans such as Rose Valley and Mozart to analyze the causes of the faster flow rate, and offers adjustment suggestions on both grind setting and pouring technique, helping you reproduce at home an anaerobically processed coffee that is rich in aroma and smooth in mouthfeel. [more…]

In coffee tasting, "fermentation" is a term that is often mentioned but easily misunderstood. It does not mean that the coffee contains alcohol; rather, it describes an aroma and mouthfeel reminiscent of ripe fruit or even overripe fruit. Coffee itself is a fermented food, and its flavor is deeply influenced by the way it is processed. This article starts from everyday conversations at Front Street stores and systematically explains the essence and sources of fermenty notes, as well as the differences between aerobic fermentation, anaerobic fermentation, and double anaerobic fermentation. At the same time, we will also explore how the fermentation process shapes coffee's aroma and complexity, and recommend Front Street's natural, honey-processed, and anaerobic-processed coffee beans for different preferences, helping you find the cup that suits you best in your everyday purchases. [more…]

Colombia, with its high mountains and flowing water, volcanic fertile soil, and abundant rainfall, is regarded as a natural treasure trove for coffee cultivation. Between 2008 and 2011, the country's coffee won the championship four years in a row at the SCAA Cup of Excellence competition, a record that even surpassed Panama Geisha's BOP three-peat. This article will take an in-depth look at the terroir characteristics of Colombia's major specialty coffee regions, covering Huila, Tolima, Cauca, and Nariño, and will focus on key varieties such as Caturra, Colombia, and Castillo. At the same time, Front Street Coffee will use a practical comparison of Flower Moon Night and Rose Valley to help you understand the specific effects of washed, anaerobic natural, and double anaerobic enzyme-washed processing methods on flavor direction. [more…]

Finca El Paraiso is a family-run coffee estate in Colombia's Cauca region, renowned for its innovative processing methods. Its anaerobic natural coffee beans, with their pronounced fermented character and sweetness, have become a favorite among many coffee enthusiasts. In this article, Front Street Coffee will take you deep into this bean's regional background, varietal characteristics, and processing techniques, and share a complete set of insights ranging from the roasting curve to cupping flavors, all the way to V60 brewing and SOE extraction. Whether you're a pour-over enthusiast or an espresso player, you'll find practical reference parameters and key operating points here. [more…]