Region: Popayan, Cauca
Elevation: 1980-2020 masl
About: Finca El Zafiro (The Sapphire) is an absolute gem and has been tended to by Nancy's family for close to 100 years. Today, the land is managed by Nancy, her husband Oscar, and their loyal dog, Trotsky. El Zafiro is located between the Central and Western Mountain ranges. The temperature here remains between 12-28 degrees Celsius, ideal for the slow maturation of coffee cherries and the development of complex flavour compounds. Around 30 years ago, a coffee leaf rust epidemic decimated the Bourbon and Typica trees growing on El Zafiro, forcing Nancy and Oscar to replant with the more resistant Castillo variety. Despite the epidemic, a handful of the strongest bourbon trees survived allowing Nancy and Oscar to start replanting sections of the farm. This is our 7th year working with the Maca family and our first time purchasing their bourbon. Processed as a traditional washed coffee, this cup is sweet, bright, and syrupy.