The Pink Bourbon variety, with its unique pink cherries, has become a standout in Colombia over the past decade. At first, it was believed to be a hybrid of Red and Yellow Bourbon because of the color, but recent genetic tests by Cafe Imports through RD2 Vision indicate a closer relation to Ethiopian landrace varieties. Either way, one thing is clear: Pink Bourbon is delicious.

Image: Pink Bourbon variety coffee cherries growing in Nariño, Colombia.

But the story of this coffee goes beyond the variety; it’s also the story of farmers who have redefined their future and unlocked potential in their coffee. Before 2012, the farmers who now make up the Asprocaes and Agrounidos associations didn’t have access to buyers willing to pay premiums. Many growers in the area sold their coffee for market prices into large regional blends, without many other options. That changed through Catholic Relief Services’ Borderlands Project, which helped producers organize into associations to sell coffee to quality-focused buyers. Counter Culture was on the advisory board of this project and has been a customer of the groups ever since.

Image: Pink Bourbon variety Agrocafe El Tambo's company farm, Finca Allpa.

With steady customers and better prices, these farmers have been able to dream bigger. They’ve made long-term investments, such as variety gardens, which help identify and cultivate varieties that balance high quality and disease resistance in a changing climate. Through training provided by the Borderlands Project, they’re now tasting their own coffee and have developed systems to identify and preserve the best lots.

Image: Pastoral Social's Lab

This steady progress over the past 14 years has culminated in coffees like GEM 009. By purchasing this coffee, you’re not just savoring an incredible flavor; you’re also supporting farmers as they continue to grow, innovate, and shape the future of specialty coffee.

Image courtesy of Pastoral Social's photographer Jorge E. Moncayo Torres