Juan Carlos Velez

This is our first ever coffee from Ecuador, a washed typica mejorado from Juan Carlos Velez. It’s a sweet and floral cup reminiscent of honeysuckle and nectarine with a clean, citric acidity.

Juan Carlos’ farm is literally connected to the famous Hacienda La Papaya and his typica mejorado comes from their renowned seedbank. It’s the perfect expression of this unique variety.

Juan Carlos Velez produces Typica Mejorado coffee in the Azuay region of Ecuador at an altitude of 1700 MASL. The farm’s sandy-clay loam soil and ideal climate create optimal conditions for cultivating this first-generation variety.

The farm has been in Juan Carlos’s family for generations, tracing its origins back 250 years. Today, Juan Carlos, a civil engineer and agricultural entrepreneur, oversees its operations alongside his family. With a strong background in agriculture, he has improved production practices, integrating modern techniques such as drip irrigation and advanced fertilization to support sustainable growth and prevent issues like fungal diseases.

Located near La Union, the farm enjoys 12 hours of sunlight year-round and a temperature range of 35°C during the day to 13°C at night, perfect for coffee plants to develop natural sugars and achieve optimal quality. The family’s dedication to excellence extends beyond cultivation, with meticulous post-harvest processes such as careful drying and ventilation to preserve the beans’ flavors. 

The combinations of this perfect soil, seed and sun together with the meticulous skills of the farmer result in a very beautiful cup we really love.