Colombia Black Condor

Where in the world?

What’s the story?

Around three months ago, we had an impromptu visit from pioneering coffee producer Shady Bayter from Forest Coffee, who was on a whistle stop tour of a few Uk roasteries and we ended up with a stunning impromptu cupping of exquisite coffees. Shady’s passion and vision for his coffee and for other producers in the Fresno area of Tolima, Colombia was inspiring. So it did seem rude not to pick up a couple of stunners!

This coffee is a sweet and juicy easy drinking delight, with an apple pie caramel sweetness and mouth watering layers of forest fruits and long citrus finish that we had as somewhere between soft sweet lemon and orange. As an espresso its wonderfully sweet with all that unctuous caramel and a long granny smith apple on the finish.

The Black Condor project is centered around the village of Gaitania, and was initiated by Emmanuel, a coffee aficionado who grew up in a family of coffee growers. His journey into the world of coffee took a significant turn in 2006 when he had the chance to expand his knowledge about coffee processes, quality, and different coffee varieties.
However, like many local coffee producers, Emmanuel faced a common challenge: the lack of a central processing facility. Without one, it was challenging to scale up production and maintain consistent quality. That’s where the Black Condor Project comes into play.

In 2016, Emmanuel and his family embarked on a mission to create a coffee processing center that would not only benefit their own farm but also serve as a hub for more than 15 nearby villages in Gaitania. This endeavor marked the beginning of the Black Condor Project, a symbol of collaboration and dedication to coffee excellence.
At the heart of this project are carefully designed drying stations that process coffee cherries from various farms across the region. It’s not just about producing coffee; it’s about ensuring quality and consistency in every cup.

What truly sets the Black Condor Project apart is its commitment to fairness. The project pays coffee producers a remarkable 30% above market prices. By collaborating with 30-45 independent producers, Forest Coffee is working alongside the families that make up the project, helping to create a sustainable and equitable coffee community in the Tolima region.
The Black Condor Project isn’t just about great coffee; it’s about empowering local coffee communities. It’s a story of passion, family, and community coming together to create a better future for everyone involved. It’s another one of those coffees we love to be a part of as we roast you, and you as you brew and enjoy.

Brewing Recipe