Colombia - Finca El Turpial

Background

What an absolute treat to be having this coffee in our selection! Our first encounter with Emerson’s coffee was last year: it was an incredibly memorable SL 28 that was so sweet, distinctive and complex, we finished its run on our bar really quickly. When we saw this on the table at 2nd Mile Specialty Coffee’s cupping organised earlier this year, we knew we wanted to bring this back with us to share with you, our guests.

Emerson’s farm is located at a very high altitude of 2700 metres above sea level, in the Cumbitara region of Narino. Here, the coffee quality is incredible, but growing it is also incredibly challenging: access is difficult and the farm is very isolated. Emerson’s story is not easy to hear. His father was one of the first coffee producers in the region but his family’s life was overturned tragically by armed violence, when his uncle’s life was claimed by armed conflict in the area and his family was forced to abandon the land. Emerson’s life was displaced for a time, but he never lost his vision and goal of producing exceptional coffee. When Emerson finally had the chance to return to his family land, he began to cultivate rare varietals like SL 28, geisha, and Sudan Rume despite doubts from others. In 2023, Emerson’s hard work paid off when his SL 28 fetched a record high price at the the La Mejor Taza de Mi Nariño Internacional.

Sudan Rume is an ancient, rare landrace variety hailing from South Sudan. It is low in yield but high in quality. As a mutation of Bourbon, this coffee is full of red fruits like cherry, strawberry and raspberry, with a sparkling acidity and overall flavour that reminds us of cherry Sprite. This is a really special coffee that we hope you’ll enjoy.