Colombia, Almibar #3

Ah, “Almibar No.3”. No, not the sequel to Lou Bega’s 1999 smash hit “Mambo No.5” but equally as lively and cheeky. A very collaborative affair between the producers Coocentral and our pals at Nordic Approach, this coffee is a super clean, bright, dancy number. And, perhaps quite unlike Mambo No.5 stands up very well to multiple repetitions throughout your day.

“a little bit of Almibar by my side” etc etc etc ok I think this reference has played out. Anyway, a cracking coffee, a wonderful example of why we love Colombia as a coffee producing nation and why we’ve been banging that same drum for 8 years. Never not had a Colombian in the range. Enjoy it!

Flavour Profile: Stone fruit, citrus, yellow fruit, and caramel notes

Almibar' is Spanish for sugary syrup, reflecting the prevalent syrupy, sugary flavour in coffees from Central Huila.

This lot is produced by Coocentral which serves as the primary cooperative in Central Huila, with members typically owning farms ranging from 2 to 3 hectares at altitudes between 1400 to 2000 metres above sea level. The main varieties cultivated are Caturra, Castillo, and Variedad Colombia.

The cooperative boasts 3747 members, of which 2098 are active contributors, delivering their parchment to reception points in various local villages (Veredas). Purchase points are located in Gigante, Garzon, Guadalupe, Suaza Tarqui, Pital, and Agrado. The harvest season in Central Huila spans from May to July and October to December.

Impact

Since 2005, Coocentral has invested 2.8 million USD in social programs. These initiatives encompass housing, university education, healthcare support (e.g., Coocentral covers 50% of hospital bills), funeral expenses, infrastructure development on farms, bonuses for fertiliser purchases made through the coop, life and natural disaster insurance, an in-house education system for young growers and growers' children, as well as pension funds. Growers receive 100% of the premium paid above the current market and daily purchasing prices.