Residing in Melbourne Australia can sometimes feel like we are disconnected from the coffee producing regions that are located on the opposite side of the globe. The distance between us means we face completely different day to day challenges but amazingly so, we are connected through sharing experiences in the coffee we grow, sell/buy and consume at each end of the supply chain. 

Every so often we hear a story of epic proportions from one of our importing partners in a producing country that speaks volumes about who the people really are that grow some of the specialty lots that we buy for MAKER. This is David & Goliath, the resistance & the empire, or a modern take on the classic tale of tension between building a sustainable world for the future and the resource hungry corporations who only live in the here and now.

The town of Cajamarca coordinated efforts to stand against the national mining conglomerates that were looking to muscle their way into agricultural land in search of gold and natural resources. The Cajamarca community recognised that concentrating on agriculture is more environmentally and socially sustainable for their region long term, giving everyone involved a purpose led strength to fight back in protest against Big Mining. 

All whilst future proofing their agricultural heritage, the 5 local coffee producers who contributed to this lot have delivered an incredibly high quality coffee that is as remarkable as the story behind it. This coffee was selectively hand harvested then pulped using a small manual or electric pulper. Fermentation happens in tanks for 48 hours and finally the coffee is washed clean using water from nearby rivers and streams. 

It was then carefully dried for approx 14 days on parabolic beds which are constructed a bit like a greenhouse to protect the coffee from the rain and prevent condensation from dripping onto itself. The greenhouse is built of plastic sheets and has adjustable walls to help with airflow to ensure the coffee can dry slowly and evenly.

There is an element of depth and structure to this wonderfully crafted lot of coffee that we find so moreish. The sense of place present in each brewed cup is entirely captivating and the unmistakable sweetness in this coffee is reminiscent of a classic french dessert known as Tarte Tatin. Think beautifully caramelised apple and butter pastry, with hints of almond and a long, lingering palate. 

Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too ;)