This coffee is from the regions of Huila, Tolima, and Caldas in Colombia, grown at 1750 meters altitude by various small holders and processed at El Vergel Estate. The processing method is grape co-fermentation, which starts with hand-sorted ripe cherries undergoing 24-hour pre-fermentation in plastic bags, followed by 24 hours of fermentation in cherry. After depulping, the beans are co-fermented anaerobically for 5 days with their mucilage, combined with yeast and grape flavors in a honey process. The coffee is then mechanically dried for 10 days and stabilized for 5 days. Flavor notes include grape, red grape, caramel, brown sugar, and brown spice.
Pair Cupworks is a specialty micro roastery in Mesa, Arizona, founded by Kimhak Em and Eugenia Tai. Kimhak brings over 30 years of food service experience and a culinary background; Eugenia combines structural engineering with commercial illustration and handles the brand's visual identity. They began roasting in 2017, initially selling beans online while working day jobs, and opened their first coffee bar in 2020. Food & Wine Magazine named them Best Coffee Roaster in the state in 2022. They roast in small batches with the goal of developing clean flavours that respect the work of farmers and producers. Wholesale clients now stretch across the US and into Europe and Asia.
