Colombia Huila Finca La Ilusion Natural

Last week I missed sending out a newsletter since I spent the day at Six Flags with my daughter–and then our internet was down when I got home. We had a lovely sunny day, and she declared it the best fieldwork ever. The weather was just the opposite at home. While waiting in line for a ride, I got pictures of tomatoes covered in netting which was in turn covered in a blanket of white. It’s amazing how different the weather can be just a few hours apart.

Happy birthday Becky!

Yesterday we celebrated Becky’s birthday. We are certain that we have the best manager around, and we are looking forward to meeting her baby later this summer. Happy birthday Becky! Thanks for all that you do to keep this store running smoothly.

Next week we’ll be celebrating Jack’s birthday, but in the meantime we have a three day weekend free of plans. I’m sure we’ll be spending time putting plants in the ground, and getting the garden ready for the season. Hopefully we’re done with hail for a while.

This week we have another micro-lot coffee for you. This bean is grown in the Andes mountains, in San Agustin in the Huila department of Colombia. We’ve featured other San Agustin Colombians before, but this one stands out because it is a natural process. That means that the fruit is dried on the seed, and it gives the final product a distinct fruity flavor. This is also a Caturra and Castila variety of coffea arabica, so when the cherries ripen they are yellow instead of the more typical red.

This coffee is grown by Rosevel Ortiz Escarpeta on his farm, Finca La Ilusion. Six years ago the Colombian government started a program to help farmers who had been displaced by fighting in the region, and Sr. Ortiz is able to produce quality specialty coffee because of their help. This is high grown coffee, with a beautiful preparation that shows up in a delicious flavor in the cup.

You can try a cup of this La Ilusion Natural on us this week with the code Andes coffee*. You’ll note a taste of berry and a fruity aroma as soon as you bring it to your face. It’s really a tasty and special Colombian. Whatever you are doing this Memorial Day, I hope that you get a chance to relax. And on Monday, take a minute to honor those who have died to protect our country. We remember.
–Holly Fike

*Code good for one free 12 ounce cup of Colombia La Ilusion Natural. Code expires on 6.2.16. Limit one free cup per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, 128 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer has no cash value.