Partner Farms

Our sourcing mission begins by identifying select coffee farms who specialize in craft-production of specific coffee varieties. Some of these varieties have been cultivated by these small, often multi-generation family owned farms, for over 100 years.

They are typically located in high-mountain regions where these varieties are grown under the shade of larger trees, and positioned among a wide variety of other crops. The flavor of these coffees are influenced by diverse soil that results from these polycultures, taking on some of its characteristics. Some will taste and smell like berries, while others will carry notes of peppers or chocolate, and even others will show hints of tobacco, and more. This complexity of flavor is the result of these best practices in coffee cultivation.   

An ideal farm is one that focuses on mastering everything from cultivation to roasting, and has proven themselves among the best by winning local and national competitions. Here's a little story about just one of the many we've visited, learned about, and documented, so we can show you where your coffee comes from: 

 

Finca El Paraiso is located in the city of Xicotepec (hee-ko-teh-pek) in the state of Puebla, Mexico in a lush high altitude forest at 1230m (4035 ft).

 

 

It's grows consists of coffee plants positioned in a 'polyculture' format, scattered in groups among many other plant species beneath the shade of trees. You might have heard of 'high-mountain shade grown' coffee before, and that's exactly what this means. The term isn't just a buzz-word, as this growing environment typically produces the most flavorful, best coffee beans in the world.

 

 

Better yet, it's good for the ecology of the plant species itself, the ecosystem it resides in, and creates better conditions for the workers who farm it.

 

 

If you were to visit Finca El Paraiso with us (which you are invited to do!) you would meet Don Roman. You would immediately feel the depth, care, and attention he puts into his craft. The people who help him in this mission are right there alongside him processing, roasting, packing, hand-in-hand - delivering one of the worlds finest (and most beloved) products.

 

   

 

You would meet Luis the master roaster, who will change how he roasts based on how a certain crop came in, or what the specific weather is like that day, or the season, etc.

And then it all clicks - sourcing your coffee directly from a farm like this means mastery and control over each step of the process, and you can really taste the difference.

 

 

As we sit together sipping a coffee in his cafe, then tasting some coffee liquor, you might also hear Don Roman lament about how sad it is that smalls finca's like his are dying off in favor of larger, factory style grows. Our goal is to help keep small farms like Finca El Paraiso alive and connected to the people who enjoy their coffee. Through buying our beans, you are supporting them as directly as possible. It's our view that we should all know more about where our coffee comes from!

We invite you to support all our Partner Farms through this tip jar, who will receive 100% of your donation. Truly any amount means the world to these farmers! Thank you.