Colombia Monserrate

Monserrate is a community of 28 families some two hours down a bumpy dirt road from La Plata. At the highest point in town sits a brick-clad church and bell tower.

The coffee grown here is Caturra and Typica varietal. Each of the 28 families have their own de-pulping and fermentation set up, along with raised drying screens protected from the rain by parabolic roofs covered with transparent plastic. The drying areas are set up on a slight incline, so that both ends of the tunnel can be opened to allow airflow across the coffee. Since every family contributes coffee for export, each fermentation and drying process has to be done perfectly, or it could compromise the entire shipment. The whole community takes great pride in their work, and the results show very nicely in the cup--delicate floral tones balanced by jellied wine grape sweetness.

The importer we buy this coffee from has a special relationship with the families in which they are compensated extra for their dedication to quality farming and milling practices. The result is a bit more expensive price than other Colombians, but we feel it is worth the extra cost.

Roasting and Cupping Notes:

City + to Full City roast works well. At a lighter roast, coffee and tea blossom aroma pervades the senses. At a dark roast: caramel and dark chocolate. Medium to heavy body with a lingering sweet aftertaste. This is a great cup to wake up in the morning with.