For July’s Taco Tuesday, each InterAmerican team chose its own theme, a variety of coffees were shared, and some great feedback came our way. Here's a quick recap:
SoCal
In San Diego, the theme was a Coffee World Tour. The team shared seven fresh arrivals and favorites, representing a variety of processes and countries. Their feedback:
Mexico Siltipec Jaguar, community project coffee: “Caramel, light citrus and nutty. On a table of bright, complex and fruity coffees, it was approachable and balanced and the favorite of one visitor. This led to a discussion about the important place of approachable coffees and how many casual coffee drinkers prefer something that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.”
Costa Rica Sonora Honey Natural, microlot: This coffee comes from the family farm of Diego Guardia, our colleague at exporter Ceca, in San Jose. Diego blends honey- and natural-processed coffees and finds a really lovely harmony between them.”
July's Taco Tuesday at InterAmerican San Diego.
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Konga, regional cooperative: “Classic, amazing heirloom Yirgacheffe, with notes of Earl Grey and lemongrass.”
Rwanda Muraho Kilimbi, community coffee: “Some visitors had never cupped a Rwanda before, and this coffee was stellar. Dark, sweet fruits, plum, fig, port wine, rich a complex. Everyone loved it.”
Kenya Ruthaka Ruiri, microlot: “Sweet, juicy and herbal. Totally checks the Kenya microlot box.”
Sumatra Haragold Organic, microlot: “The Haragold was a pleasant surprise for cuppers who are used to more earthy, classic, rustic profiles from Sumatra. Our Haragold is vibrant, clear and has a lot herbal notes.”
Rhode Island
In Providence, the team cupped offer samples of fresh-crop Burundi microlots with JNP Coffee owner and founder Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian. Several of the lots were from the local chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance, which pays premiums to the women producers as part of a program called Dushime (which translates to “let’s be thankful” in Kirundi).
The group cupped a mix of washed microlots and naturals—which particularly impressed with their elegance and balance. We’ll be buying a few lots for inventory, so stay tuned—or contact Gerra Harrigan to secure a lot. 
Texas
In Houston, the team discussed fresh crop from Honduras—both the coffees and the projects they come from:
Guara Verde comes from 252 producers in the Becamo Guara Selection program, which pairs producers with agronomists who concentrate on seven key areas of coffee production. These producers, many from very remote areas, have dramatically increased the quality of their lots—and their earnings.
Cupping notes: Caramel, strawberry, chocolate; sweet and bright.
La Campa Reserva is a blend of the seven highest-scoring lots from the Guara Selection program. We named it in honor of the people of La Campa, who organized to protect Honduras’ tallest mountain and ultimately led to the creation of the Celaque National Park.
Cupping notes: Pronounced citrus, blueberry, milk chocolate, caramel; bright acidity, silky body.
Coffee Kids UNIOCAFE is the work of 33 young producers in the Youth Committee of the UNIOCAFE cooperative in western Honduras, who participated in Coffee Kids’ Rural Business Workshops. The workshops offer access to instruction in agronomy, financing options and business advice, to inspire young producers to create their best paths forward.
Cupping notes: Melon, papaya, caramel; juicy acidity, good body.
COAGRICSAL Fairtrade Organic comes from approximately 300 producers in the Santa Bárbara region who are committed to social and environmental standards.
Cupping notes: Lemon, spice, herbal; balanced and smooth.
CAUFUL Organic comes from a group of producers who, rather unusually, banded together to purchase a 70-acre farm that they work on together.
Cupping notes: Milk chocolate, citrus and buttery, smooth body.
The Houston team prepares for a (very serious) pre-cupping presentation.
Mark Your Calendar for Next Time!
Taco Tuesdays take place the first Tuesday of every month and are a time when we open our doors to the coffee community, share coffees we’re excited about—and enjoy some tacos together! Our next Taco Tuesday will be August 6—starting at 9 a.m. sharp in Houston, with breakfast tacos at 10; and starting at 11 a.m. in Providence and San Diego, with tacos at noon. Hope you’ll join us! •
