So, the last time we caught you up, we were throwing some semi-smuggled green beans from the Venezuelan Andes into a sample roaster… and they came out good. The Tachira Pink Bourbon in particular was a real beauty and for those of you that I sent samples too, I am sure you would agree! Now, straight back down to earth. Once again, logistics issues and pretty fair MOQ’s have rained on our parade. The Tachira may just be the one that got away and so we have had to explore new avenues – back to square one with our backs against the wall – just the way we like it.
After diving back in, we somehow came across the Venezuela Coffee Revival, and to explain who they are, I will quote a sentence from their own site:
“We are an association of coffee professionals and producers that believes in an inclusive, collaborative, transparent, sustainable and profitable model for Venezuelan coffee.”
Talk about a match made in heaven. Now these hero’s didn’t quite make it onto our radar due to them not being UK based, but professionals working across mainland Europe. After getting into contact with them, Enrico who works with the initiative and with a number of cooperatives was excited about the project and was able to point me in the direction into not just coffees, specifically direct from farmers in Merida they are looking to put together a shipment for, but also some very interesting green beans that are accessible throughout Europe right now from importers!
It was great to see another insiders view too on the situation and to receive confirmation that due to the difficulties in Venezuela, without anyone on the ground and having insider information, it is near impossible to begin sourcing – wild times ladies and gentleman. Luckily for us, there are like minded people across Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium…
After putting us in contact with an amazing group of producers, exporters and importers, they were able to share with us the Venezuelan beans they have worked extremely hard to bring in, as well as those they are working in for future harvests. Just like that, we have some new samples, and these are very very special… time to get these samples roasted up!
The mission continues and you will hopefully be hearing about it all…and tasting some Venezuelan coffee soon!