Producer: Rigoberdo Herrera
Farm: Cerro Azul, Café Granja La Esperanza
Region: Trujillo, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Variety: Geisha
Process: Honey
Altitude: 1700 - 2000 masl
Harvested: 2023/2024
Cupping notes: Jasmine, ripe cherries, honey, molasses. Creamy body with medium acidity.
Cerro Azul is a renowned farm in Colombia that specializes in growing Geisha coffee exclusively. The farm's climatic conditions are considered ideal for this coffee variety, and as a result, an assortment of bronze-tip and green-tip Geisha varieties are cultivated throughout Cerro Azul. The coffee from this farm has won numerous National Coffee Championships and has also made it to the World finals on several occasions.
Rigoberto Herrera purchased the farm in 2007, and initially planted it with Castillo and Colombia coffee varieties. However, in 2008, there was a significant shift towards the Gesha varietal, which was introduced from Panama, marking a first in Colombian coffee cultivation.
Cerro Azul's layout includes seven distinct lots, which allows for precise cultivation. The farm has retained some original Gesha trees as a genetic resource and a tribute to its beginnings.
The farm is managed by a single full-time employee, who is supplemented by 15-20 seasonal pickers. Cerro Azul is a model of efficient operation, and the nearby yellow school, funded by Café Granja, caters to the workers' children and those from the local area, highlighting the farm's commitment to community welfare.
Process.
CGLE's commitment to excellence begins with the meticulous harvesting of cherries at the exact moment of ripeness, ensuring an optimal level of sugar that contributes to the exceptional quality of their coffee. To maintain the integrity of the beans, Cerro Azul uses state-of-the-art equipment for the depulping process, a method executed without the use of water. This precision in harvesting and processing reflects their dedication to crafting a coffee of unparalleled flavour and quality.
