This microlot comes from the Buesaco region of Narino bordering Ecuador. Coffee grows here at some of the highest altitudes in Colombia, with some areas reaching 2200 metres above sea level. The region of Buesaco is known for its high quality coffee producing lots that have placed in the cup of excellence in Colombia. This producer group is made up of 420 small holders from the towns of Juanambú, Buesaco centro, Santa María, El Naranjal. Of these growers 52 have been selected to be part of the ‘Café Con Altura’ program run by the producer group. These growers have received extra support regarding infrastructure and education as they have been identified to produce exceptional coffees. The small holders here typically apply a washed process that undergoes fermentation for 12-16 hours before being dried on rooftops or on raised African beds for 8-14 days weather depending.
The land where the coffee is grown is owned by the community, but each producer is in charge of specific plots and can sell the coffee they produce. Sun-drying can take more than 2 weeks, the prolonged exposure to the coffee fruit causing a very subtle and slow fermentation to occur, and often imparts fruit-like flavours in the coffee itself.
