'Misfits' Colombia Pride

Here's a really special coffee that we are extra proud to offer: The result of collaboration across several levels that tastes like chocolatey, orangey, biscuity goodness.

We launched our 'Misfits' category about a year ago to overwhelmingly positive feedback. We've used the category to tell stories about coffees or people that would usually be misunderstood or excluded. We've sold coffees that had rocks in them, semi-quakers, and coffees we pre-ordered that were mis-dried at origin. Those were all coffees that might usually have been excluded due to quality issues, but still had loads to offer. This one is a bit different: this coffee was produced by people who might be socially excluded due to their LGBTQIA+ status.

This is an extra special release because it intersects perfectly with the namesake for the Misfits lineup. All along, we've been donating our £1/kg funds from all 'Misfits' coffee sales to a sibling project underneath our same charity umbrella. Misfits is an incredible inclusion project for queer young people in our hometown of Brighton. The group has really gotten behind the idea of supporting coffees that would normally be excluded, just as they themselves might feel excluded from some social spaces.

Bottom line: The proceeds from this coffee support inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people both in Colombia and here in Brighton, and we think it's a brilliant way to demonstrate collaboration and solidarity across cultures and oceans. Even the plants, animals, and insects aren't forgotten, as this coffee comes to us through SUDUS and their biodiversity farming initiative in Colombia. The Misfits folks have represented this all beautifully through a special pigeon sticker (designed by one of their crew) that will appear on each bag of coffee, a reminder of a worthy bird that is often more neglected and unloved than the iconic skylarks we usually sing about. We think this coffee tells a story of intersectionality that's as delicious as its Jaffa Cake tasting notes.

A bit more about the coffee and Pride initiative from SUDUS:

Pride Coffee is grown at 1700-2100 meters above sea level on farms distinguished by their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The Colombia variety planted here adapts outstandingly to the microclimate's conditions – the altitude, humidity, and volcanic soils favor dense beans and a balanced, clean cup profile. This variety was selected for its valued resistance to pests, its yield, and its flavor quality.

What makes this coffee special is not just its genetics, but the story of regeneration cultivated in every bean. On the farms, biochar, a plant-based charcoal, is applied to improve soil structure, retain nutrients and water, and contribute to carbon sequestration, reducing the environmental footprint. Floral corridors are also established to encourage the proliferation of pollinators, increasing biodiversity in the coffee landscapes. Thanks to these practices, the coffee plantations maintain their natural fertility, prevent erosion, and elevate the quality of the bean.

Care is constant between harvests. Productive branches are renewed and shoots are controlled. Shade is carefully managed with native trees, which helps maintain a stable temperature and promotes biodiversity. A balanced nutritional program is also applied, fostering the health of the plant and soil. All of this contributes to preparing vigorous coffee trees for the next flowering.

The harvest is completely manual and selective: each bean is picked at its optimal point of ripeness, ensuring uniformity and quality. Thanks to the implementation of good agricultural and regenerative practices, production has shown sustained growth compared to the previous year, reflecting an increase in both volume and the consistency of bean quality.

The post-harvest process begins with a rigorous sorting of the harvested beans, separating defective ones to guarantee only the best raw material. Pulping is then performed to remove the outer skin of the bean, followed by a meticulous washing with clean water to eliminate any remaining mucilage. Fermentation is carried out under controlled temperature and time parameters to highlight the sensory attributes of the Colombia variety. After this process, the coffee is carefully dried in mechanical silos, achieving an ideal moisture level that preserves its qualities until it reaches the final consumer.

Beyond its physical quality, Pride Coffee represents a commitment to social transformation. It is a coffee born from an initiative dedicated to inclusive practices, opening spaces for empowerment for the rural LGBTI community, promoting dignified opportunities and visibility in a traditionally conservative sector. Every pound exported carries with it the story of resilience of those who cultivate with pride, dignity, and environmental consciousness.

 

Elevation: 1840-2100 Metres Above Sea Level

Varietal: F8, Caturra, Castillo, Colombia

Cup Score: 84

Price paid per kg: £10.80

Process: Washed