Cafe 14 - Finca Don Gustavo
Rafael Tapia Alvarado
12
My name is Rafael Tapia Alvarado, a third-generation coffee producer leading Finca Don Gustavo into the global spotlight. Named as a living tribute to my father, Gustavo, our estate in Veracruz was born out of pure inspiration during the uncertainty of the 2020 pandemic. We took a bold leap of faith, transforming an old family cattle ranch into a fertile sanctuary for specialty coffee. Today, our land is defined by a majestic, misty forest microclimate where dense winter fog blankets the rows of coffee trees, flanked by towering oaks, poplars, and a natural river that feeds constant moisture into our soil. When the sun finally pierces the mist, it illuminates an estate built on family heritage and an uncompromising drive for excellence.
Our signature commercial brand and our pride stem from the meticulous curation of our Anacafé 14 and Marsellesa blend. During the harvest, our team executes a strict, high-density selective picking, gathering only fully developed cherries at their absolute peak of sugar concentration. For this specific competition lot, the cherries underwent a sophisticated dual-stage fermentation process: 15 hours of dry anaerobic fermentation, followed by an extended period submerged in clean water to enhance acidity clarity. The parchment was then slowly sun-dried on traditional raised beds (plantillas), locking in a pristine, complex flavor profile and ensuring remarkable shelf-life longevity for international roasters.
This lot is profoundly unique because it represents the evolution of a proven champion. Last year, using this exact same field blend, Finca Don Gustavo achieved an extraordinary 2nd Place in the Cup of Excellence. Far from being a one-hit-wonder, this year's lot represents our obsession with replicating and refining that award-winning profile. For us, Cup of Excellence is the ultimate bridge to share our passion beyond borders and give true value to our family's daily labor.
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