Gentle Washed Sidra by Augusto Ortega, Huila, Colombia

Taste Description:

In the aroma we find fresh white florals and in the cup notes of raspberry, mango and honey. As the coffee cools the wonderful acidity pops and becomes even more exquisite!

Variety: Sidra

Farm: Las Asturias

Size: 5 hectare

Location: Kennedy, San Agustin, Huila

Altitude: 1680masl

Harvested: December 2024, shipped February 2025.

Process: Gentle Washed

Processing details: Cherries are picked every 15 days when they reach peak ripeness. They’re left to ferment in cherry overnight before being de-pulped the next morning and undergoing a dry ferment for an additional 32 hours. The seeds are rinsed of remaining mucilage and then spread to dry on raised, shaded beds for 20-22 days.

About Augusto

Augusto Ortega grew up in coffee, working alongside his father, one of the region’s early commercial growers. At 22, he planted 500 trees of his own and founded Finca Asturias in 1985 in Kennedy, San Agustin. Despite arid soils and frequent landslides, he stayed committed, helping establish coffee farming in the area.

In the early years, farming was easier. There were no chemical fertilizers, and diseases were rare. Today, rising temperatures force Augusto to apply multiple treatments each year, affecting both productivity and cup quality.

During the 80s and 90s, he sold coffee en verde to local buyers. Costs were low, and profits possible without further processing. In 2000, Augusto joined Los Naranjos Association to move into specialty coffee, connecting with Cafe Imports and reaching American buyers. Over time, dissatisfied with the lack of transparency, he left to seek stronger, more direct relationships.

Augusto’s leadership within Monkaaba has been key to building trust and collaboration among San Agustin producers. Since 2021/2022, we have purchased his entire farm production at a differential price, covering a range of lots from Gesha and Pink Bourbon micro-lots to Castillo and Colombia varieties.

Today, Augusto’s focus is on planting new varieties and working together with fellow growers for mutual improvement. He sees the project between Monkaaba and Semilla as a “peaceful revolution” against the exploitation of smallholders. We are proud to stand beside Augusto and his wife Marleny.

Amount

Our specialty coffee range comes in 250-gram jars of whole beans roasted for filter or slightly edgy espresso, packed and shipped on demand for maximum freshness. These coffees hit the sweet spot between specialty coffee and competition-style coffee, with a taste profile that is both exciting and unique.

In the Jar

Each jar contains 250 grams of whole beans, roasted to perfection for both filter coffee and a slightly edgy espresso. Packed and shipped on demand, this coffee delivers maximum freshness, ensuring an extraordinary experience from the moment you open the jar. Treat it like a fine bottle of champagne—if you’re lucky, the “swoosh” will fill the room with intoxicating aromas.