This coffee is from the Rio Azul farmer cooperative in Guatemala's famed Huehuetenango growing region. The cooperative consists of 272 members from the Jacaltec (Popti) Mayan people, with about 20% women farm owners. The farms average two acres in size. The coffee features tasting notes of caramel, apple, and cinnamon with a distinctive citrus finish, described as reminiscent of apple galette with caramel drizzle and orange zest.
Bongo Java Roasting Co. was founded on March 28, 1993 by Bob Bernstein in an 80 year old house turned café in Nashville's Hillsboro Village, making it the city's oldest coffee company. The roastery holds the distinction of being Nashville's first and only Certified Organic coffee roaster, with every bean also carrying Fair Trade certification. All coffee is sourced in small quantities directly from ethical, family owned farms and cooperatives. The wholesale operation has been running since 2000, supplying local coffee shops and grocery stores. Beyond the original café, the Bongo Java family now includes five locations across Nashville and related ventures including Fido and Game Point Café.
