Unveiling the Story
Nestled in Herrera, Tolima lies Finca Monteverde, a sprawling 15-hectare estate dedicated to cultivating a diverse array of coffee varieties such as Wush Wush, Red or Yellow Bourbon, Geisha, and Mocca. At its helm is Gilardo Gutierrez and his family, boasting a legacy of over 70 years in coffee cultivation, now spanning five generations. A decade ago, a transformative shift occurred under the stewardship of their three children, all fervent Q Graders and processors, who spearheaded a new era focused on producing exotic coffee varieties, supported by their parents' expertise. Among them, Newerley Gutierrez pioneered innovative techniques in processing Wush Wush, earning him the moniker "Mr. Wush Wush."
Exquisite Rarity: The Geisha Journey
Geisha coffee trees were initially planted in Colombia as part of experimental plots on farms like La Esmeralda. Farmers were intrigued by its potential to produce high-quality coffee and were eager to explore its cultivation. Colombian Geisha coffee gained recognition for its exceptional cup quality in international coffee competitions. It consistently scored high marks for its unique flavour profile, leading to increased interest and demand from coffee enthusiasts and buyers worldwide. As the reputation of Colombian Geisha coffee grew, more farmers in Colombia began to cultivate the varietal. Its adoption spread to different regions of the country, with farmers experimenting with different growing conditions and processing methods to enhance its unique characteristics further.