Yacuri

Comprised of 431 square kilometers of protected forest, Yacuri National Park straddles the border of southern Ecuador’s Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces. For generations, farmers in the periphery of the park have managed organic agroforestry systems, protecting the land for future generations and preserving the area's stunning biodiversity. In 2023, Caravela Coffee—one of our export partners— helped a group of these growers obtain organic certification, to reward their sustainable practices with organic premiums. The coffee here is sweet like brown sugar, with round, buttery, almond tones that give way to a dried apricot finish.

Sourced from the Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe regions of Ecuador, Yacuri represents a distinct offering from Counter Culture Coffee. This coffee is characterized by a profile featuring brown sugar, buttery notes, almond, and dried apricot. When evaluating such specific flavor profiles, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better understand how these descriptors relate to broader sensory categories. While coffees from Ecuador are often recognized for their diverse microclimates, the specific qualities of this lot highlight the unique agricultural output of these southern provinces. By focusing on these nuanced characteristics, drinkers can better appreciate the balance between the sweetness of brown sugar and the subtle, nutty undertones of almond. This selection serves as a clear example of the regional profiles currently emerging from the Ecuadorian landscape, providing a structured experience for those exploring the complexities of South American coffee production.