About This Coffee
Coffees from the Popayán region in Colombia’s famed Cauca Department are typically produced by smallholder farmers working on around 5 to 10 hectares of land. Farmers will harvest their own coffee and then deliver cherry to central washing stations, where smaller lots are combined.
Over the years, the term Excelso has held a few different meanings. What has not changed, however, is that only the best Colombian coffees are permitted to be exported. Excelso is supplied in steady volume throughout the year. In the cup, it displays a reliably distinctive combination of body and acidity.
For this Fully washed Excelso lot, expect a berry-forward profile with subtle sweetness and a smooth body.
European Preparation (EP)
EP stands for European Preparation. EP beans are Screen 15+ with a low defect tolerance.
Excelso
Over the years, the term Excelso has held a few different meanings. What has not changed, however, is that only the best Colombian coffees are permitted to be exported.
Excelso is supplied in steady volume throughout the year. In the cup, it displays a reliably distinctive combination of body and acidity.
About Popayán
Popayán is the capital of the Cauca Department, located in Southwestern Colombia. The city is also known as “Ciudad Blanca,” the white city, due to its unique architectural features with plenty of white buildings. Located at an elevation of 1,300 to 1,650 meters above sea level, coffee farmers in the region benefit from a cool mountain climate and rich volcanic soils. Coffee in the area is mainly cultivated on small plots and often processed at central washing stations. Popular varieties include Colombia, Castillo, Caturra and Typica. Coffee sourced from Popayán has a unique profile, characterized by prominent berry notes and comforting acidity.
Coffee in Colombia
Colombia has been producing and exporting coffee renowned for their full body, bright acidity and rich aftertaste, since the early 19th century.
Colombia boasts a wide range of climates and geographic conditions that produce their own unique flavors in coffee. This also means that harvest times can vary quite a bit. In fact, between all its different regions, Colombia produces fresh crop nearly all year round.
The increasing focus on the specialty industry is changing the way traders and farmers do business. It is becoming more common for farmers to isolate the highest quality beans in their lots to market separately. These higher-quality lots are often sold under specific brands or stories.
Besides its wide variety of cup profiles, Colombia has quickly expanded its certification options over the past 10 years. The most common certifications available are Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Organic.