Aponte, Colombia

Puff candy. Green apple. Orange blossom. 

This medium-roast, washed Colombian bean has an incredible toffee-like sweetness that reminds us of old school puff candy. The sweetness is really well-balanced by a slightly tart green apple flavour. Together, it's like having a toffee covered apple in a mug. Hidden in the background there's a citrusy-floral undertone that keeps you coming back for another sip. 

This coffee was produced by the Inga community of Aponte, who are descendants of the ancient, pre-hispanic Incas. During the period of colonisation, they remained isolated high in the volcanic mountains that became their natural refuge. This community did not resume significant contact with the rest of Colombia until the latter half of the 19th century. In the 1990s, the Ingas were exploited for labour, forcibly involved in poppy and heroin production under the influence of guerilla groups, drug traffickers, and paramilitaries. The Ingas were trapped in this system of violence until as recently as 15 years ago. In the last decade, the mountains have become a safer place for the Inga tribe. Caturra coffee varieties were planted on smallholder properties in the Resguardo Inga Aponte which sits 2150 metres above seal level. This elevation, combined with the nearby Galeras Volcano constantly shedding nutrient-rich ash, makes for an exceptionally complex and sweet coffee. Our importing partner, Ally Coffee, has been working with the Aponte community since 2015.

Region: Nariño, Colombia

Producer: Aponte community 

Farm: various smallholder farms

Process: Washed

Variety: Caturra

Elevation: 2150 metres

Green sourcing partner: Ally Coffee