New Releases, Long-Lasting Stories
Please give a warm welcome to our newest coffee, Colombia Finca Tamana! This coffee comes to us from Elias Roa and the Finca Tamana farm. He’s spent years investing in not only the infrastructure of his farm and the coffee itself, but most importantly, in the people he employs.
Colombia Finca Tamana is a very special coffee to us at DOCR and has a memorable story we can’t wait to share with you. Make sure to brew yourself a cup as we give you all the details that’ll inspire you to fall in love with your new favorite coffee, much like we did.
And so it begins — a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… just kidding.
First Comes a Story
Elias started producing coffee on his farm many years ago, and over the past 13 years, he has invested heavily in farming practices with the help of Tim Wendelboe — quite the coffee legend. Tim assisted the farmers at Finca Tamana in planting SL28 trees, unique to the region, and supported the expansion of processing facilities to improve coffee quality.
Notably, when beginning this transformation on his farm, one of the first advancements Elias made wasn’t in the infrastructure of the farm, the fermentation tanks, or the drying beds. It was in the people who worked for him.
Elias is known to be an innovator in coffee production and variety diversity, but also in how he treats the people who work on his farm — the people he employs to harvest the cherries — with respect and dignity. He has prioritized improving the quality of life and living conditions of his employees, even before focusing on the coffee and farm infrastructure. He’s made several places on the farm for pickers to rest, eat, sleep, and take breaks. Elias has also made sure to allow for extensive training and that the people who tend his farm are prioritized and well taken care of.
Personally, I believe that connection through coffee starts at the farm level, and not over the counter of the espresso bar. Elias’ farm is a prime example of how these connections have drastically improved the quality of the coffee over time.
With the help of Tim Wendelboe, Elias expanded infrastructure on his farm, began using more sustainable harvesting practices, and improved the quality of his coffees — but not until his farmers and employees were taken care of first.
We’re proud to partner with a farmer who executes such vibrant, high-quality coffees. His coffees are exquisite, as is his legacy and success. He’s an inspiration to many in the coffee-producing and roasting worlds alike.
Elias Roa on his farm, Finca Tamana, in Colombia. Farm photos provided by Elias Roa.
A Special Variety
The most notable aspect of this coffee, aside from the incredible taste, is the variety, or species, of the coffee plant. The SL-28 variety is prized across East Africa, most notably in Kenya, where it was developed, and is not commonly grown in Colombia.
SL-28 is a highly regarded cultivar originally developed in Kenya in the 1930s by Scott Agricultural Laboratories — hence the “SL” in its varietal name. Its status stems from the exceptional cup profile and high scores in international tastings and auctions, making it a staple in specialty coffee circles and an inspiration to producers aiming for high-scoring coffees. The variety is often characterized by its bright, wine-like acidity, rich mouthfeel, and very fruit-forward profile, featuring notes of dark fruit, citrus, and tropical fruit.
The convergence of the varietal expression with the Colombian terroir makes for an exceptionally refined and well-articulated cup. It’s safe to say Elias is an innovator in farming and harvesting techniques in Colombia. This is a very unique coffee you won’t want to miss.
The Process
Colombia Finca Tamana is a washed coffee, meaning that at the farm, directly after harvest, the coffee cherries are immediately depulped. As soon as the fruit is removed from the seed, the coffee seeds pass through several water channels until they are directed toward a water-filled fermentation tank.
After fermentation, the coffee is moved to dry in a shaded spot on Elias’ farm. While the washed process is not particularly unique to Finca Tamana, the care and attention invested in perfecting this process are evident in the cup. The result is a well-rounded, beautifully clean cup with sparkling acidity.
Tasting Notes
As you sip this coffee, look for notes of grapefruit, rose hip florals, and sweet peach ring candy. It’s juicy and vibrant, but not overly tart; notably sweet, balanced, and nuanced, and dances along the line between delicate and lively.
This special release of Colombia Finca Tamana is also welcomed with the introduction of a new-to-DOCR 8oz bag! This coffee is exceptionally good, and we wanted our customers to try it without breaking the bank. Offering an approachable price point allows fellow coffee enthusiasts to enjoy our limited release coffees without sticker shock. Don’t worry though — 12oz bags are still our standard, and these 8oz bags will be reserved for select limited releases.
Colombia Finca Tamana is available on our pour-over menu right now in all DOCR shops! You can also find it by the bag in-store or online.
THE DETAILS
Colombia Finca Tamana — SL-28 Washed
Producer: Elias Roa, Finca Tamana
Region: El Pital, Huila
Process: Washed
Variety: SL-28
Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Rose Hips, Peach Rings
Check out DOCR's Rochester General Manager, Faith, sharing about our newest coffee release, Colombia Finca Tamana, below!
—
About the Writer: Emma LaVoie is the Education Manager for Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters. She’s the brains behind this blog and lit a fire under our team to follow suit. You can almost always find Emma reading a book with a coffee in hand. If you’re interested in reaching out to Emma, shoot her an email: emma@dessertoasiscoffee.com. She’d be happy to geek out over coffee with you — seriously, don’t hesitate to reach out!