Colombia Carlos Guamanga

When Carlos Guamanga was just fifteen years old, he left his home in Cauca to search for work. As he sought better opportunities, Carlos traveled through Huila, Caquetá, and Putumayo, picking up bits and pieces about the cultivation of coffee. Finally, he returned to Hulia, as a coffee picker. There he met his now wife, Patricia, who he affectionately calls Pato, and further developed his knowledge of coffee production. He even spent extra time studying the roasting and cupping of specialty coffees at Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, experimenting with a variety of processing methods.

With the help of his wife and uncle, Carlos grows four varieties of coffee on his own four hectare farm, El Recuerdo. Now, Carlos and Pato have two children, and have become well-known for their sustainable agricultural practices, even becoming stewards for the portion of the natural reserve that lies on El Recuerdo.

This unique Pink Bourbon was processed with a double fermentation: 24 hours in the cherry and 60 hours in bags. From there it was washed, and put out to dry in Carlos’ beautiful marquesina above the roof of his house. Carlos Guamanga’s last harvest embodies the best of what Colombian coffees offer, which is revealed in its clean cup with both a pleasing acidity and a distinctive sweetness.