I’d like to introduce a special coffee that I’ve enjoyed for the past 8 years, well before Mammoth Espresso was open. Early in my barista career my passion for quality coffee was often greater than the availability of beans on the shelves of local retailers. So like many people at the time, I mail ordered coffee frequently to get a sense of the best specialty coffee in the American market. That led me to Madcap Coffee, our eventual roasting partner at Mammoth, and the coffee of Luis Reinoso in Colombia. Every year I return to this coffee and rekindle the love I first found, and this year’s production once again showcases the craftsmanship of truly special, specialty coffee.

The farm that Luis and his wife, Yenni, operate is called Finca Vista Hermosa, or “farm with a beautiful view,” and sits some 1800 meters above sea level looking out onto a mix of cultivated coffee and natural Colombian forest. It is an ideal environment for growing coffee, with the relatively high elevations resulting in cooler temperatures and lower oxygen. These factors slow the maturation of the coffee, allowing for maximum development of complex sugars and bringing out brightness in the cup.

The Reinoso farm grows Caturra and Bourbon coffee varieties (roughly an 80-20 ratio), both of which are associated with high cup quality but are relatively lower in yields than many other plant types. While having only two varieties presents a risky situation for farmers (i.e., more biodiversity can increase the resistance to pests and disease), the decision is in keeping with the Reinoso’s commitment to quality above all else. This is plainly seen in the release of this year’s Luis Reinoso coffee, which feature lush fruit flavors of plum and cherries, with a touch of sweet lime and hibiscus. It’s an excellent and well-balanced coffee that performs equally well as filter coffee and espresso.

Madcap Coffee has developed a special relationship with the Reinoso family over the years, and is the exclusive buyer of this coffee in the world. I’m proud to feature this coffee on our menu and I look forward to sharing it with you.