Campbell and Syme – Lalesa

For the last two years we had the pleasure of working with three lots from the Lalesa washing station through Ephtah, with them being some of our firm favourites of the year. This year we are happy to have lined up another three lots in partnership with our friends at Falcon. This year we see a repeat on the slow dry natural and anaerobic natural, and then a return to the oh so special black honey from a couple year backs – if you know, you know.

The first release of this years triptych is the anaerobic natural, a similarly super complex and rich lot like last years. The cup profile is sweet, tart, tropical and bold in nature. Intense blueberry kicks things off, reminiscent of an old school natural Ethiopian. That thought ends as soon as it starts, with the cup moving into rich tropicals, ever so slightly sparkling, with hints of funk and booze. This combines with a high sweetness throughout with a moreish vanilla and brown sugar finish.