Welcome back Finca El Paraiso from Ernedis Rodriguez—this time Bourbon Sidra! We love the Caturra variety he produces on his farm, but as we witnessed when we visited him in June 2022, Ernedis has been busy cultivating Java and Bourbon Sidra varieties. 

This Bourbon Sidra variety is genetically related to Ethiopian varieties, however, it is mainly produced in Colombia and Ecuador since 2012 and growing in popularity in 2015. Bourbon Sidra is beloved for its high sweetness as well as fruity and floral characteristics. We are swooning over this cup that boasts tropical fruit notes and lingering sweetness. We taste pineapple, passionfruit, and panela. 

Ernedis is a longtime specialty producer, and his farm is quite advanced when it comes to quality and environmental sustainability. His picturesque farm, Finca El Paraiso in Huila, Colombia, is nestled high up on a steep-sloped mountain ridge overlooking the beautiful Magdalena River Valley. Ernedis intends to keep his farm true to its name—a paradise—so he is constantly finding ways to grow and process his coffee in a way that’s harmonious with nature. 

Recently, Ernedis invested in an eco-pulper, which uses less water to de-pulp the coffee and, as a result, reduces contamination to the environment. The pulp is composted in basins, so there is no contact with the soil, and the pulp becomes useful organic fertilizer for the farm—a win-win for all. He is a true visionary when it comes to coffee, and someone whose coffee we are honored to roast.