The Story

Bolivia is a landlocked country in the central part of South America. Bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Coffee production in this nation is limited to the Caranavi area primarily, with a smattering of small scale producers in areas like La Asunta, Palos Blancos, the Traditional Zone and Yapacani.

In September of 2011 Jeff and Maritza Taylor, coffee buyers for PTs, ventured down the very narrow, dangerous, dirt roads that criss-cross through the Andes Mountains to reach the Caranavi area and returned with some truly lovely coffees. During that trip, travel conditions and short available daylight for traveling kept Jeff and Maritza from being able to travel directly to Tres Estrellas. But, ASOCAFE Quality Control set out a cupping table and the coffee truly shined.

In July of 2012, Jeff and Maritza returned to Bolivia and found the roads passable. They rode with their friends, Carmelo and Rene from Senda Salvaje, through the rough terrain to reach the mountain of Tres Estrellas. Delia Blanca, along with her sons, led Jeff and Maritza up the steep slopes of the farm, and the trees looked amazing.

Soon, they were on their way to the mill, where Eliceo Huanca was waiting. It is evident that Eliceo and his wife Delia are proud of their farm, and that their sons are eager to learn more and new techniques for farming and milling. We are proud to call them a Direct Trade partner.

This harvest of Tres Estrellas received a 91 point score from Ken Davids at Coffee Review.