Tolima Especial, Colombia Medium Roast

We're proud to introduce our second Colombian coffee selection, Tolima Especial. Produced by the community development association ASOTBILBAO in central Colombia, the "Especial" tagged on the end of the name implies these are the best of the best beans from the group's recent harvest. 

* Note: Photos are of our Tatama, Colombia bean. This bean is fresh and we have yet to take photos! It is packaged in our classic pink label and Kraft bag.

In the cupping in which we chose Tolima Especial, we were really impressed with its sweet, clear flavor while maintaining the creamy body we love. These are the impressive qualities of coffees we source from higher elevations. The beans that comprise the Tolima Especial lot were grown between 1700 and 2000M above sea level. We tasted notes of chocolate, nougat and stone fruit.

ABOUT the GROWERS:

In 2010, after graduating from a program in farming administration, a group of students seeking ways to support their home community united to form an association of technicians and producers in Bilbao. Recognizing the economic struggles of the campo in their beloved Tolima, the young, hopeful minds of ASOTBILBAO brought organization, technical assistance, and teamwork to their region. 

Four years after the start of the project, the organization grew to incorporate farmers from the surrounding area, and is now 48 members strong. ASOTBILBAO invests in the future of the organization through rotating leadership roles and various active committees, which are all dedicated to improving quality and commercialization. While coffee is the focal point of production, the group has diversified their products to include avocados, beans, and the tropical fruits granadilla and lulo.

ASOTBILBAO's mission is simple: “Advance our production by applying best agricultural practices and environmentally friendly cultivation methods, and thus improve the welfare for our families and surroundings."