Sierra Nevada Excelso EP FTO AGROSEC

The members of AGROSEC farmer association cultivate coffee on the slopes of the Santa Marta Mountains. The region has been plagued by civil unrest, armed conflict and drug trafficking but AGROSEC members persist, dedicated to growing coffee and providing livelihoods for their families.  

Over 30,000 indigenous people live in the Santa Marta mountains.  Many of the members of AGROSEC have indigenous heritage from among the four indigenous groups living in the region. Most members at Kankuamo. They farm alongside people of Kogui, Arhuaco and Wiwi heritage.

The Santa Marta Mountain range is one of Colombia’s most unique coffee growing regions. The region is home to four indigenous groups who, combined represent the large population of indigenous inhabitants in a region. Many indigenous people grow coffee among the steep slopes. 

The tallest peak in the mountain range is about 5,700 meters above sea level, but sits just 41 kilometers from the coast, making is the world’s tallest and steepest coastal range.  

Unfortunately, the region has also been a contentious territory that has sparked intense conflict between ideological groups and is also along significant narcotics trafficking routes. Many people have died in the conflict, including many innocent civilians.   

Producers selectively handpick cherry and process it fully on their farms. They pulp cherry with a hand-powered pulper. Coffee is fermented and washed in clean water. Then, producers dry the wet parchment in the sun.

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.  

EP stands for European Preparation. EP beans are Screen 15+ with a low defect tolerance.