MEXICO CHIAPAS/OAXACA (FTO, Organic): rich, semi-sweet chocolaty, nuttier caramel accents.

DESCRIPTION: Grown organically at an impressive 1750 meters above sea level near the El Triunfo biosphere reserve. A difficult feat cultivating heirloom varietals like bourbon using organic practices despite the devastating toll of leaf rust throughout Mexico.

Serranos is a group of nearly 200 growers spread throughout 22 communities in the southern end of the Sierra Madre mountain range in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. High elevations and an unwavering commitment to organic practices are the common bond among the Serranos group.

Each producer processes coffee with their own micro-mill and dry the coffee in the sun on patios before transporting the coffee in parchment to a centrally located dry mill facility, where the coffee is prepared for export. Most of the farms have less than 10 acres of coffee cultivation, which makes farm-level production of organic inputs, like Bokashi, an achievable means of maintaining proper plant nutrition. These organic practices also provide a protective buffer for more than 800 plant species and 390 bird species that make their home in the El Triunfo biosphere reserve.

Fair Trade coffee production is also a growing trend, especially in regions like Chiapas and Oaxaca. Organizations like FESICH represent smallholder producers, ensuring they receive fair prices and support sustainable practices. Chiapas and Oaxaca are significant regions in Mexico known for organic farming. They are among the top producers of certified organic foods, including coffee, avocados, and other crops. Both states contribute to Mexico's organic production, with Chiapas and Oaxaca alone accounting for a substantial portion of the country's organic crop land area.

TASTING NOTES: Lighter roasts will have a stronger lemony crispness upfront, a little risk of herbal/veg if you roast too quickly or don’t let it set up, but dialed in, it has a tasty balance between lemony floral & hints of nutty caramel. 

Medium roasts are balanced and smooth, takes the more soury edge and floral notes out of the cup and heads it more towards a rich, semi-sweet chocolaty cup with some nuttier accents. The body and mouthfeel of the cup get much thicker, making this a wonderful daily drinker. Smooth and fairly neutral with some cool darker darker-toned complexities. 

Darker roasts make a wonderful espresso shot. Very chocolaty, cutting right through a little milk. Works nicely for pour-overs or drip as well, but will accentuate a little roasty factor. Compliments the chocolaty notes but kills some of the balance.