Carbonic Maceration Coffee: Borrowing Techniques From Winemaking

The Funky, Flavorful Future of CBD-Infused Specialty Coffee

At Buddha Beans Coffee Co., we believe that coffee is more than just a beverage — it’s a daily ritual, a source of inspiration, and now, a vehicle for wellness. That’s why we’re proud to bring you one of the most innovative coffee fermentation methods in the world: carbonic maceration — a technique straight from the vineyards of France, now used to transform our CBD coffee into a flavor-packed, wellness-enhancing experience.

What Is Carbonic Maceration Coffee?

Originally used in natural winemaking (think Beaujolais Nouveau), carbonic maceration involves fermenting whole coffee cherries in a sealed tank filled with carbon dioxide. This oxygen-free environment encourages fermentation from the inside out, preserving delicate flavors and bringing out vibrant, fruit-forward notes.

Carbonic macerated coffee tends to be juicy, aromatic, and wine-like, often boasting tasting notes such as:

• Tart cherry

• Red apple

• Tropical fruit

• Floral jasmine

Want to learn more about different fermentation styles? Check out our blog on anaerobic fermentation in coffee.

Why Infuse It with CBD?

At Buddha Beans, every roast is infused in-house with organic, third-party tested CBD, transforming your morning brew into a functional wellness drink.

Benefits of our CBD Coffee:

• Focus without the jitters

• Improved mood & reduced stress

• Gentler on the stomach

• Supports post-workout recovery

CBD complements carbonic maceration by amplifying calm and clarity, making this coffee perfect for creative sessions, relaxing mornings, or powering through the workday.

Not sure which style is for you? Try our CBD coffee sampler to explore the flavor spectrum.

Sourced from the Best Origins

Our carbonic macerated coffees come from smallholder farms in Ethiopia and Colombia — regions known for high elevation, heirloom varietals, and experimental processing innovation.

We partner directly with producers who use controlled fermentation techniques to achieve precise flavor profiles — and we roast each batch in-house in Los Angeles, CA to lock in freshness and CBD integrity.

The Science Behind the Flavor

In carbonic maceration, CO₂ replaces oxygen, slowing down the breakdown of sugars and preserving esters (the compounds responsible for fruity aromas). This allows for:

• Greater control over acidity and mouthfeel

• Preservation of origin-specific character

• A clean cup with funky complexity and clarity

For coffee lovers who geek out on flavor chemistry, carbonic maceration is the closest thing to sipping a natural Pinot Noir — but in coffee form.