1-27-12

 

Sandwiched between coffee-producing giants Colombia and Peru, Ecuador hasn't been a focus of our attention for many years. Our perspective began to change, however, after we met representatives of the Fapecafes cooperative – based in the Andean city of Loja – and tasted coffees from their small-scale member groups. With help from the Popayán, Colombia-based producers of La Golondrina, Fapecafes implemented new techniques to support and promote quality to their members. The resulting coffee was better than ever, so when the time came in 2011 to discuss our sourcing strategy in South America, we collectively agreed that Fapecafes was too good to ignore.

 

The name El Gavilán, which translates to "the hawk," perfectly suits this coffee – independent and courageous, just as the small farmers of Loja province are independent, heroic, and dedicated to quality and organic agriculture. Cherry and vanilla are the classic hallmarks of the Typica coffee variety, and these flavors are there in El Gavilán in spades, along with other stone fruits like apricot and peach. Perfectly clean, elegant, and drinkable.

 

On a related note, our seasonal espresso Apollo moves forward to version 7.0 starting with Monday's roast and, for the second time in its existence, Apollo will be a single-origin espresso: 100% El Gavilán!

 

Thanks,
Nathan

 

Note: This weekend is the Northwest Regional Barista Competition & Brewers Cup in Tacoma, WA. Watch streaming video at the US Barista Competition & Brewers Cup website!