Israel Hernandez, Colombia — December 2024
DECEMBER SUBSCRIPTION
December is a special time and we wanted to go out with a coffee to match.
Israel Hernandez, Colombia
While I describe coffees like Israel's as special, I firmly believe every coffee is special. Much like my two kids, I don't pick favourites! There are just some things about a certain coffee that others can't replicate, but then of course that means that those other coffees will probably have interesting attributes that this one does not.
When looking back on the year, I always feel fortunate for the coffees that we got to roast. I still see coffee as very undervalued and to have producers work with us, sometimes from multiple generations, I just have so much gratitude. Israel has a really great story — one with a dream, one with hard work, one with purpose. He cares about his coffee and wants to share it. From the age of 15, he was working his dad's coffee farm and beginning the process of saving for the first piece of land he would buy. He bought a piece of land, while all the time admiring the coffee farm across from his home. It wasn't long before this dream became reality. He kept at his hard work and saving, and soon came an opportunity to buy that farm. Israel jumped at it, and it is the farm on which this Gesha variety is grown: Finca Buenos Aires. We quite literally get to share someone's dream with you, manifested into coffee.
Realising that every coffee that is thoughtfully produced has a deep and meaningful story behind it, it is our job as roasters to try to share these stories. It is not just about flavour profiles and outright quality, but no doubt, when we invest in these relationships, the quality follows the artisans, the pioneers, the dreamers, the passionate! Israel's story is special because it is a reminder that producers are making it their priority to deliver exceptional coffee. As we are coming into this season of giving, we wanted all of our subscribers to come together, wherever we may be, around a dream and around a very damn-fine coffee.
Wishing you all the best in this holiday season. Take care and happy drinking!
Kindest regards,
Ben