This week marks the 3rd Colombian lot we've seen at our shops, and what an exciting coffee it is! We've developed a direct relationship with producer Rodrigo Sanchez in order to offer coffee from his amazing farm, El Progreso. On my trip to Huila, Colombia last June, Rodrigo was gracious enough to show us around his beautiful farm as well as a few other neighboring farms (one of which was El Oso, which you all are familiar with by now). Rodrigo's farm and coffee processing are pristine - from his Bourbon and Caturra trees to his meticulously hand-built, on-site washing station. Rodrigo has even set some land aside and planted Geisha variety, both for its cup quality and it's natural resistance to leaf rust. We look forward to seeing the fruits of his labor as these trees mature!
It's obvious every step of the process from the tree to the drying beds is a labor of love; and it shows in the cup. I selected this coffee blind on the cupping table at Banexport before meeting Rodrigo, and I knew it was special. The Bourbon variety contributed a winey, cherry juice quality that complemented the deep chocolate and heavy body present in the cup. This coffee spoke to me as an absolute must for our espresso program. We offer Rodrigo's coffee as both espresso and brew in the shops for about a month and a half. Without further ado, I'll take you on a little tour of El Progreso...
Our group on a hillside of coffee trees at Finca El Progreso. Imagine picking coffee cherries on these hillsides!
Standing in the middle of the Geisha plantation. Hard to see the baby coffee trees amongst the ferns.
Rodrigo showing us his fermentation tank. At El Progreso's altitudes and cooler temperatures, the coffee is dry fermented (i.e. not soaking in water) before being washed of the loosened mucilage in the adjoining washing channels (depicted below).
Rodrigo's really nifty design for washing channels! Very compact and efficient. I personally love the tile work too!
Rodrigo standing in his parabolic dryer. These covered drying beds are typically built on top of structures where wet milling occurs, or barns.
Rodrigo's family was so generous and fed us this beautiful meal. After lunch we watched the soccer game - did I fail to mention I was in Colombia during the World Cup?
Had to post the obligatory coffee-dog photo.
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