BLACK CONDOR

Renowned as the birthplace of Colombian coffee, the region of Tolima suffered greatly from the violence that swept Colombia. In 2019, the Black Condor Project was established by our export partners Forest Coffee, providing support to farmers affected by the violence. Across 15 villages, assistance with growing, processing, and quality control has helped lift coffee quality. This beautiful washed lot shows everything they have achieved.

The Cup
The profile is typically Colombian, with superb clarity and definition. In the cup, expect notes of candied orange, cacao, and honey. Acidity is well-balanced but does not dominate, with lasting richness reminiscent of sweet dried fruit: one of those espressos we could drink all day.

About the Farm
The area of Gaitania, Tolima, was historically impacted by conflict. In 2019, our export partners Forest Coffee - founded by the Bayter family from El Vergel - and local coffee grower Emmanuel joined forces to establish the Black Condor Project, providing support to farmers in Gaitania affected by guerrilla warfare. The projects conducts regular workshops with producers to emphasise quality and cover processes such as fermentation, drying, and cupping of their own coffees. Their coffee is processed at a mill in Gaitania, which now serves over 15 villages across Gaitania.

The Process
The process begins with embracing mucilage for 24 hours. The beans then rest on a drying patio, fostering a harmonious profile. After a 15 to 25-day drying period, they undergo a stabilisation process before proceeding to the milling process, which results in a consistent profile.