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El Vergel – Caturra

Microlot

El Vergel, Tolima, Colombia – Honey Anaerobic Caturra

– “An exquisite microlot, expertly processed at El Vergel, resulting from the excellent initiative called the Reforest Project, overseen by our dear friends Elias and Shady Bayter”.

What to expect in the cup

Whitecurrant, guava, elderflower. A rounded and sweet toffee-like cup, with a vibrant acidity, a smooth coating texture, and an elegant floral finish.

£14.00£56.00

The journey of this microlot begin with the careful selection of Caturra coffee cherries. Each cherry is meticulously handpicked to guarantee that only the ripest and highest-quality fruits are utilised. The process initiates with a 36-hour anaerobic pre-fermentation phase conducted in GrainPro bags. This controlled setting enhances the coffee’s complexity, laying the groundwork for its fruity flavour profile. After the pre-fermentation, the coffee undergoes a 120-hour fermentation phase in hermetic tanks that are positioned in the shade. This fermentation process, carried out at controlled humidity levels of 22-25%, enables the beans to cultivate their distinctive flavours, merging caramel notes with lively citrus and raspberry undertones. The prolonged fermentation period enriches the coffee’s depth while retaining its fruity characteristics. Drying is performed using a mechanical drying method over a span of 72 hours. This precise and consistent technique ensures that the beans reach the optimal moisture level, preserving their vibrant and nuanced flavours. Mechanical drying offers consistency and reliability, which are crucial for maintaining the coffee’s unique attributes during this vital stage. To conclude the process, the coffee is stabilised for 30 days in GrainPro bags. This stabilisation phase permits the flavours to fully develop and harmonise, guaranteeing a well-rounded and clean cup. By meticulously controlling the environment during stabilisation, the coffee’s quality is protected, preserving its integrity until it arrives in the roaster’s hands.
This coffee is processed at the El Vergel farm located in Fresno, Tolima, by the Bayter brothers, Shady and Elias. They have been engaged in agriculture since their childhood, following in the footsteps of their parents, who initially grew avocados. Growing up in the countryside fostered a deep connection between the brothers, their farming practices, and the region of their upbringing. In 2012, they embarked on a journey into the coffee industry and developed a passion for it. This led to the emergence of grand aspirations centred around coffee. Two years later, they became aware of the specialty coffee movement, which provided them with a clear vision for both El Vergel and their personal pursuits. In 2016, after several years of studying coffee varieties, suitable climates, and soils, the Bayter brothers initiated a varietal project at Finca El Vergel. The farm benefits from a unique microclimate due to its proximity to the snow-capped Nevado del Ruiz volcano, which is situated on its slopes. This marks our third year collaborating with Elias and Shady, and we continue to appreciate their efforts and contributions to producing some of the finest specialty coffees in Colombia and around the globe. The Reforest Project aims to plant 50,000 native trees across the northern Tolima and southern Caldas regions of Colombia. Commencing with an initial planting of 200 trees on the farms of 30 local coffee producers near El Vergel Estate, which is situated in Fresno, Tolima. The efforts are focused on revitalising coffee landscapes and promoting a healthier ecosystem. By implementing reforestation and sustainable farming practices, we are enhancing resilience to climate change while empowering coffee growers to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This initiative presents a hopeful outlook for the future of coffee in Colombia. We invite you to join us in creating a sustainable future for coffee in Colombia. Supporting the Reforest Project directly contributes to the preservation of Colombia’s coffee heritage and the strengthening of coffee-growing communities. Together, we can achieve a lasting impact.