A sweet and delicate lot from a rare coffee growing region.
Imbabura Province is better known for the gorgeous Intag Cloud Forest Reserve than it is for coffee, yet it still remains home to a small handful of producers.
Located in the remote, partly-mountainous area of the Cotocachi subdivision, Parroquia Peñaherrera is surrounded by rich biodiversity. Although natural conditions make this area pristine for growers, a shortage of coffee pickers and unfortunate history with untrustworthy merchants have pushed farmers to grow other products.
Today’s remaining producers typically pool their coffee together where it is processed at one of the few local micro-mills or sell their coffee in cherry form. We purchased this coffee from Caravela who not only bridge the gap between Latin American farmers and the rest of the world, but also invest heavily in cupping labs, dry mills, infrastructure, training and education for farmers and cuppers. In other words, a respected and trustworthy local partner.
This is a fully-washed lot from various smallholders in Cotocachi, Ecuador. In the cup look for delicate notes of milk chocolate, orange and ginger, with a clean silky mouthfeel.