COLOMBIA POPAYAN MUNCHIQUE | December 2023
Our December Bean of the Month, Popayan Munchique, is cultivated by an alliance of indigenous farmers, thrives on traditional cultivation methods fused with modern sustainability practices.
Discover the enchanting allure of Popayan, nestled in Colombia's Cauca region, where a vibrant coffee culture intertwines with the very fabric of society. Celebrating legacy while embracing a forward-looking approach, this coffee encapsulates the essence of ancestral roots and a sustainable future.
In the heart of Popayan, the terroir boasts rich volcanic soil, lofty altitudes, and a temperate climate – the perfect conditions for cultivating the exceptional Colombia Popayan Munchique.
Indulge in hazelnut and chocolate aromatics, delicate apricot notes, and a buttery toffee-caramel sweetness, finishing with a sparkling touch of celebration.
COFFEE ORIGIN PROFILE
Country: Colombia
Region: Cauca
Producers: Central Cooperativa Indigena del Caucas
Varietals: Caturra, Typica, Colombia, Castillo
Process: washed
Altitude: 1500 - 2000m above sea level.
Popayan, located in the Cauca region of Colombia, is home to a vibrant coffee industry that is deeply woven into its cultural and economic fabric. The producers of the Popayan Munchique are part of an alliance of Indigenous farmers, and the quality of their coffee is driven by their love of their land.
Traditional methods of cultivation have been passed down through generations and are now being melded with modern techniques for sustainability and efficiency. Such practices not only preserve the lush landscape, but also ensure fair compensation. This empowers the local community to honour their ancestors’ dedication to their home, while shaping the future for their descendants.
The coffee farms in Popayan benefit from a combination of ideal climatic conditions —rich volcanic soil, high altitudes, and a moderate climate— which have made Colombian coffee so well regarded throughout the world. This temperate climate has also made it a hotspot for a growing industry of coffee tourism.
Popayan’s coffee industry now extends beyond cultivation; it's a cultural heritage celebrated through festivals, museums, and guided tours. Visitors immerse themselves in the entire coffee-making process, from bean harvesting to roasting, experiencing the pride and passion of the locals for their craft.
BREW RECOMMENDATIONS
December is a hectic month for most of us, so the recommendations this month are a short-cut for the occasions that inevitably fill our calendars in this crazy time of year: Long overdue, pre-Christmas coffee catch-up with a mate: flat white, double shot (because it’s December and you running on empty!).
This isn’t the time for a complicated order, you want to focus on talking to the person across the table. Keep it simple with an Australian made classic.
Plunger or Aeropress. Take a moment before you start another day. Smell the grinds, stir the brew, press slowly to extract. Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress, and brewing can be a kind of meditation. Plus, you get coffee at the end of it.
COFFEE CUPPING PROFILE
SCORE: 85 /100
FLAVOUR: stonefruit, toffee, caramel
AROMA: hazelnut, chocolate
ACIDITY: green apple
BODY: medium
AFTERTASTE: sparkling.
As we bid farewell to another year, let the Colombia Popayan Munchique be your flavourful escape amid the festive chaos. Whether it's a double flat white for catching up, a cappuccino to navigate shopping centre madness, long blacks to cut through decadent festive lunches, or the tranquillity of an early morning Aeropress, our excellent coffee promises to keep you merry and bright!