Manos Juntas

ORIGIN
Cauca is located in central-western Colombia, stretching from the Western-Cordillera mountain range to the Pacific Ocean. Ocean winds and elevation result in Cauca being one of the coolest regions of the country – and perfect for coffee production. The coffee in this area is grown mostly by indigenous or Afro-descendant communities who have cultivated coffee for centuries. Geographically, the region has many features including the Popayan Plateau, many rivers, and the central volcanic mountain range.
 

ROAST
Manos Juntas is a micromill in Sotara area of Colombia’s Cauca region. Once the red cherries are delivered to the mill by smallholder producers who have selectively harvested only the ripest red cherries. Importantly, producers are paid upfront for their coffee by weight. The riper the cherry, the heavier it is. This encourages better harvest practices that directly correlates to higher quality.

The cherries are then “aged” in tanks for a period of five days before they are taken to solar dryers. Due to the humidity of the climate in the region, drying can take 30–45 days. While producers can focus on the healthy production of specialty coffee, the micromill handles all sorting, processing, drying, and preparation for export. This regional blend of the Castillo cultivar was developed by Cenicafe (the scientific research arm of Colombia’s National Federation of Coffee Growers) to replace the no-longer-coffee-leaf-rust-resistant Variety Colombia; released in 2005.
 

ROAST
Sourced through our friends at Café Imports, we love this naturally processed coffee for its fruit-forward flavours and creamy mouthfeel in the cup. Due to its low density and high moisture content, we have opted for a slow, gentle roast profile to develop sweetness and body. You can expect some fruity notes of strawberry, complemented by a smooth chocolatey finish. Perfect for espresso or other brew methods, this coffee tastes delicious on its own or with milk!