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Tolima Region
Nestled in the heart of central Colombia, the Tolima region offers rich volcanic soil, high elevations, and a unique climate that lends itself to producing complex and fruit-forward coffees. Over the last decade, Tolima has become a hotspot for innovation in processing, often resulting in vibrant, juicy profiles with tropical and stone fruit notes.
El Vergel Estate
El Vergel Estate is a pioneering farm in Fresno, Tolima, where innovation meets tradition. Originally an avocado farm, the Bayter family pivoted to coffee in the early 2000s after market shifts, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Colombia’s most forward-thinking specialty coffee producers. Under the leadership of Elias and Shady Bayter, and with the guidance of fermentation specialist Miguel Jimenez, the farm has embraced experimental processes and cutting-edge techniques.
This particular lot of Red & Yellow Caturra was planted between 2016 and 2018 in a microlot near the estate’s washing station, surrounded by guava trees.
Processing
The Guava Banana lot undergoes a carefully designed anaerobic natural process. After hand-selecting ripe cherries, the coffee is fermented in sealed tanks for 48 to 60 hours. This stage is crucial for enhancing the coffee’s tropical intensity. Once fermentation is complete, the cherries are dried in the sun on raised beds under a marquesina until they reach about 30% moisture.
Final drying is completed using mechanical dryers to ensure consistency and preserve the coffee’s bright, fruit-laden profile.