REGION: Palestina, Huila
PRODUCER: Multiple small farmers
PROCESS: Washed
VARIETY: Castillo, Caturra, Colombia
ELEVATION: 1,500+ MASL
TASTING NOTES: Milk chocolate, citrus zest, roasted almonds

Producer Story

Based in Palestina, Huila, El Puente is a community-driven project built around the idea that exceptional coffee begins with strong producer partnerships. Working with more than 426 coffee growers throughout the region, the project provides technical training, processing support, and differentiated pricing that rewards quality. By investing in both infrastructure and education, El Puente helps producers consistently bring high-quality, traceable coffees to market while improving long-term sustainability for their farms.

The project's impact extends well beyond the cup. In 2023 alone, El Puente purchased more than 544,000 kilograms of coffee, generated over $3.5 million in value for participating producers, and helped farmers earn an average of 17.6% more than local market prices. Through efficient processing and water-conscious practices, the project also saved an estimated 19 million liters of water, demonstrating that quality, transparency, and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

The Process

Once coffee is delivered by El Puente's partner producers, our importing partners at Clearpath carefully verify that each lot meets strict physical and sensory quality standards before it receives the El Puente designation. Every coffee is evaluated to ensure proper drying, consistent moisture content between 10–11%, and third-party verification for quality and traceability.

Production begins with selectively harvesting ripe cherries, followed by flotation to remove underripe fruit and other defects. Fermentation is carefully managed using Brix measurements and environmental conditions to determine the ideal duration before the coffee is thoroughly washed. Finally, the coffee is dried over 10–15 days using sun drying, mechanical drying, or a combination of both, depending on weather conditions, resulting in a clean and consistent cup.

The Cup

El Puente offers a comforting and beautifully balanced cup with layered sweetness, gentle brightness, and a rich, satisfying depth. Careful harvesting and thoughtfully managed processing create a profile that feels both familiar and refined, carrying through to a smooth, lasting finish.

Representing the work of hundreds of dedicated producers, this coffee is a testament to how collaboration, transparency, and shared expertise can produce something greater than the sum of its parts.