Agroloja Sidra

Finca Agroloja is located in the province of Loja, in the sub-region of Malacatos. The altitude ranges from 1500 to 1850 masl. Angel Reyes, the owner of Agroloja, produces Caturra, Typica Mejorado, Sidra and Geisha varieties on his 28 hectare farm, that's 50% planted with coffee.

The crop is strategically distributed into lots by variety and planting season. The focus is on ensuring maximum utilization of the soils and topography, while maintaining a rotation of the cycle in which the different varieties ripen. Within the coffee plants, you can find other plant families intercropped, such as orange, lemon, mango, avocado, banana, plantains and yuca, plus other localized species. Ecuador is known for immense biodiversity, and Angel has maintained this throughout Finca Agroloja.

An agronomist by profession, Angel comes from a coffee producing family with long line of tradition in the practice, with his roots coming from the province of El Oro, previously known as Zaruma. Once upon a time, his family was well known for producing high altitude coffee, exquisite aroma and flavour. The coffees of Agroloja are no different, showcasing wonderful flavours and expression in the cup.

This project began by finding land in the "Valley of the Eternal Spring" as the region of Malacatos is known. The land is fully worked by hand with much of the product being available in Malacatos and contributing to the economics of the local area. Employment comes from the local area and gives security to the people as it's a well paid opportunity.

With constant research and education going into process and agronomic practices, Angel believes he can continue to elevate the cup profile of his coffees and find pathways into further local markets, and international markets.

The flavour profile of this coffee is super unique and rich. It has peach and dried apricot qualities, with red apple, plum, mango and interesting complimentary notes of nutmeg and coconut. The finish is long, the profile is round and it's a conversational coffee. This lot won 19th place in the 2021 Taza Dorada.