Archival Release #57 - La Tortuga Education Lot 2021

In anticipation of some exciting coffees from Ecuador we have planned for release in a few weeks, this month’s Archival Release features a 2021 harvest of La Tortuga from the Galápagos Islands.

Originally released as an Education Lot, this community blend of typica, caturra, and bourbon varieties, offers a fascinating example of the impact of unique microclimates on specialty coffee production. At just 250 meters above sea level, this coffee is remarkably low grown. Nonetheless, it exhibits the quality of a much higher grown coffee thanks to the fortuitous environmental impact of the oceanic Humboldt Current that flows through the waters surrounding the Galápagos.

Aromatically we notice a uniquely savory quality reminiscent of rich browning sugars, cocoa, and sweet garden vegetables. In the cup, a creamy milk chocolate body accompanies comforting flavors of marzipan, red apple, and mild baking spices.

The Archival Release #57 - La Tortuga Education Lot 2021, sourced by Passenger Coffee, represents a unique offering from the Galápagos Islands. Cultivated at an elevation of 250 masl, this Ecuadorian lot presents a distinct profile characterized by browning sugars, cocoa, and milk chocolate, balanced by notes of marzipan, red apple, and mild baking spices. The inclusion of sweet garden vegetables adds a savory complexity that distinguishes this release from more traditional high-altitude origins.

When evaluating such nuanced profiles, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better categorize the interplay between the cocoa-forward base and the subtle fruit and spice undertones. While coffees from island microclimates often exhibit unique terroir-driven characteristics, this specific lot highlights the diverse potential of the Galápagos region. Whether you are exploring the depth of chocolate-toned profiles or the influence of specific growing environments, this release offers a compelling look at Passenger’s ongoing archival project.