Colombia Popayán Reserve

Colombia, Cauca, Popayán Reserve; Arabica Mixed Blend, Washed, 2024

Tangerine | Stone Fruits | Cocoa Nibs

Popayán is the capital of the Colombian department of Cauca. It is located in the Pubenza Valley in southwestern Colombia between the Western Mountain Range and Central Mountain Range of the Colombian Andes Mountain Range. Aside from its fame as a city production centre, it is also a world heritage site. In 2005, Popayán was declared by UNESCO as the first city of gastronomy to recognise its  intangible cultural heritage in traditional food preparation methods that have been passed down orally for generations. In 2009, UNESCO again declared the Semana Santa processions during Easter Week a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Patrimony of Humanity.

At an elevation of 1,700m, it benefits from an ideal topography for coffee cultivation. Sheltered by the Central and Western ranges of Andes, it has consistent climate throughout the year except for rain - stable temperatures of 14-29°C, average humidity of 75%, mean daily sunlight of 3-5 hours. These factors contribute to the development of coffee beans with sweet and citrus profiles. In fact, on 10th August 2011, Cauca coffee has ‘Denomination of Origin’, defining as a coffee with a very strong and caramelized fragrance and aromas, which has a high acidity, medium body, balanced global impression, clean, soft with some sweet and floral notes. It has drier weather in the middle of the year but wetter weather end and start of the year. As coffee is generally harvested throughout the year, there may be slight variations in moisture content in the green coffee.

This coffee is from Cofinet, which works closely with approximately 75 growers whom they have established long term relationships. Through this program, farmers are
incentivized to prioritize quality, with premiums of up to 20% above market prices. The coffee is a mixed blend of common varieties: Colombia, Castillo, Caturra, Catimor and Typica. 


Roast Profile
This coffee has high moisture and high density, alongside a slightly bigger size. From these notes, one could guess why Popayan coffee is defined as "high acidity, medium body, with some sweet and floral notes". We aim to slightly lengthen the roasting time for a softer and more flavour balance, ending at a slightly higher temperature for more complex. A low fire ensure clarity of flavour.



Savouring our world in a cup!
Enjoy!