Colombia | La Laja | Sudan Rume | Washed

Region: Betania, El Tambo, Cauca 

Elevation: 1750 masl 

About: Coffee has shaped James Fernández’s life from an early age. Raised among coffee trees alongside his parents and grandparents, he learned the work of cultivation as a child before briefly turning his attention to other crops in search of new opportunities. Despite this, coffee remained a constant, eventually drawing him back with renewed focus. 

James first planted Castillo before gradually expanding into rare and highly regarded varieties. Through his work selling seedlings and seeds, he encountered Geisha at a time when it was still relatively unknown in Colombia, becoming captivated by its distinct sensory profile and establishing one of his earliest high-purity plantings. Today, his farm is home to varieties including Sudan Rume, Bourbon Rosado, Bourbon Naranja, and Geisha. 

Alongside farming, James developed a respected career as a cupper, building a deep understanding of quality across every stage of production. Supported by Banexport, he continues refining his processing methods with a focus on expressive and carefully produced microlots.

Produced by James Fernández in the Betania region of El Tambo, Cauca, this Colombia lot showcases the rare Sudan Rume varietal. Cultivated at 1750 masl, the coffee undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean. While washed coffees are often celebrated for their clean, vibrant profiles, the Sudan Rume varietal is frequently sought after for its distinct, complex character.

Sourced and roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, this selection offers a unique look at the terroir of Colombia · Betania, El Tambo, Cauca. When evaluating the nuances of such a specific varietal, tasters often find it helpful to reference the flavor wheel to identify the subtle aromatic compounds that define this exceptional harvest. By focusing on precise processing and high-quality cultivation, this coffee serves as a compelling example of the diversity found within the region's evolving specialty landscape.