Colombia: Manos Juntas Limited Reserve

Roast Level: Light/Medium
We Taste: Milk Chocolate, Raspberry Jam, Orange Starburst
Origin: Colombia, South America
Elevation: 1400-2000 meters
Varietals: Pink Bourbon
Process: Natural

Manos Juntas Micromill, Cauca, Colombia

Nestled in the Sotara area of Colombia’s Cauca region, the Manos Juntas micromill, managed by Banexport, simplifies coffee processing by streamlining tasks for producers. This micromill is known for its innovative approach to processing coffee, focusing on efficiency and quality.

Upon arrival at the mill, coffee cherries are meticulously recorded for their Brix and pH levels before undergoing a five-day anaerobic fermentation in hermetic tanks—each clearly labeled with the producer’s name to ensure traceability. During fermentation, nitrogen is introduced to promote yeast activity, with continuous monitoring of Brix and pH to pinpoint the perfect moment to halt the fermentation process by reducing the temperature to 20°C, effectively eliminating unwanted microorganisms.

After fermentation, the coffee cherries undergo an additional five-day aging process in the tanks to enhance their flavor profile. The drying phase then extends over 30 to 45 days in solar dryers, ensuring that each bean reaches its peak flavor potential, reflective of the unique characteristics of its origin. This natural process at Manos Juntas exemplifies the dedication to preserving the inherent qualities of each batch, offering a truly unique coffee experience.

Origins and Selection: In our quest to craft an extraordinary blend for a wedding client, we discovered the Pink Bourbon from Manos Juntas, a micromill known for its dedication to quality and innovation in Colombia’s Sotara region. This coffee captivated us with its candy-like sweetness and complex juicy qualities, featuring tantalizing notes of grape juice, orange Starburst, candy apple, and cherry cola. Its remarkable finish promised an unforgettable coffee experience, making it a clear choice for showcasing in our signature collection.

Roasting Philosophy: Our approach to roasting this unique Pink Bourbon involves a light touch to preserve and highlight its delicate flavors. We're committed to honoring the meticulous natural processing and the renowned Pink Bourbon varietal at Manos Juntas. Roasting it darker would risk diminishing the vibrant qualities that define this coffee. Our careful roasting technique ensures that the inherent apple, tea, and floral notes are beautifully expressed, enhanced by a candy-like sweetness. The aroma of concord grape that emerges when opening our roasting buckets is a vivid testament to the coffee's lively character.

Sustainability and Community Impact: The Manos Juntas micromill embodies a commitment to sustainable coffee production that extends beyond environmental concerns to include profound community benefits. By simplifying processes and focusing on quality, Manos Juntas ensures that every bean produced not only tastes exceptional but also contributes positively to the local community. This approach helps sustain the livelihoods of local farmers and supports ongoing education and development initiatives within the region. Our partnership through our distributors and with Manos Juntas is a proud example of how conscientious sourcing and community-focused practices can come together to create a product that’s truly special.