We’re pleased to introduce a stunning competition coffee from the Peñas Blancas mill in Colombia.

Sourcing experts Lohas have quickly gained a reputation for bringing exquisite Colombian coffees to market. Indeed, their Competition Coffees line is venerated in specialty coffee, its coffees seen in the hands of brewing champions worldwide. We were eager for the opportunity to work with them on a decaf that would meet the caliber they are known for.

Through this partnership, we were able to source this incredible coffee from Acevedo, Huila, processed at Jhoan Vergara and Nestor Lasso’s Beneficio Peñas Blancas mill, a venture operated by Las Flores. Coffees are brought by farmers to this central beneficio, or mill, for processing under Peñas Blancas’ innovative methods, which include techniques like thermally shocking coffee to arrest fermentation.

Centralized processing is unusual for smallholder farmers in Colombia, who would typically process on their own land and sell coffee in parchment. Under Vergara and Lasso’s expertise, innate florality and vibrant fruit notes are elegantly amplified in these already special coffees—characteristics we found irresistible in this Colombia Pink Bourbon offering.

Vergara is himself a thoughtful farmer, working diligently to restore organic matter to the land, planting more than 2,000 trees to provide natural shade and stimulate the soil for coffee-growing. The evidence of Vergara’s intentionally sustainable approach and distinctive, cutting-edge processing methods are inarguable in the cup. We think you’ll find the intensity and beauty of this cup as incredible as we do!

Producer: Jhoan Vergara/Las Flores
Region: Huila, Colombia
Altitude: 1750 masl 
Harvest Season: October–December, May–August
Varietal: Pink Bourbon
Processing: Thermal Shock/Washed Anaerobic
Cupping Notes: Peach, Honesuckle, Lemongrass, Bread Pastry, Jasmine