Third-Generation Excellence: Colombia La Ardilla from Finca Las Flores
Colombia Jhoan Vergara, La Ardilla
A Third-Generation Innovator
Jhoan Vergara is a third-generation coffee producer who has become well-known as a powerful force in today's state of coffee production. In 1990, his parents moved to the Acevedo municipality of Huila and founded Finca Las Flores, a 16-hectare farm situated in the rich, volcanic soils of the La Ceja Mountains. Jhoan grew up immersed in agriculture and a wealth of generational coffee knowledge before attending school at Colegio Empresarial de Los Andes.
Once completing his studies, it wasn't long before his mastery of roasting, physical and sensory analysis, cupping, and sensory training pushed him to the cutting edge of coffee production. He began working with unique varieties and experimental processing with a level of precision that makes the profiles of his coffee instantly recognizable all over the world - especially in worldwide competitions where he has been making a name for himself in recent years. In 2019, he won first place in the Master of Coffee South Korea - Coffee Producer & Roaster, and has continued to both win competitions himself and produce the beans of choice for many Brewers Cup champions in recent years.
The Farm: Finca Las Flores
Finca Las Flores is situated at about 1,780-1,800 meters above sea level, where the temperate climate and rich volcanic soils make it ideal for coffee cultivation. On the 16 hectares of the farm, Jhoan and his family grow around 18,000 coffee trees, cultivating many unique varieties including Tabi, Ají Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Sidra, Chiroso, Caturra, and Pacamara.
La Ardilla: A Balanced Estate Blend
This year's "La Ardilla" lot from Las Flores is an estate blend of multiple varieties that offer a beautifully sweet and balanced cup. The lot is produced with an anaerobic washed process that adds a unique dimension to the profile, while still allowing the coffee to shine. We're finding sweet stone fruit notes in the cup, along with the effervescence of candied ginger and lemongrass.
Why We Love This Coffee
We have been sourcing coffee from Jhoan Vergara since 2023 and are always so thrilled to bring another coffee of his into the lineup. Last year we had the privilege of releasing both a Sidra and an Ombligon from Finca Las Flores, and they were both so incredible we figured we ought to release another one. This release is going to show up more on the side of balanced sweetness and clarity than crazy processing, but it still is a bit of a facemelter!
The Details
This lot is from the La Ardilla Estate at Finca Las Flores. It's a field blend of multiple varieties (mostly Bourbon) and is technically a washed coffee with some anaerobic fermentation. The farm is a 20-hectare property owned by the Vergara family with approximately 18,000 coffee trees, including Pacamara, Tabi, Ají Bourbon, Red Bourbon, Pink Bourbon, Sidra, Chiroso, Caturra, & Catimor.
Colombia Jhoan Vergara, La Ardilla
An absolutely stunning release from producer Jhoan Vergara. This lot comes from the La Ardilla Estate at Finca Las Flores and is showing up with sweet and effervescent peach, candied ginger, and lemongrass.