ECUADOR FINCA HAKUNA MATATA

The Fincas Hakuna Matata and Maputo lie among the volcanoes and cloud forests of Pichincha Province. Although the coffee plants grow at a relatively low altitude of 1,350 meters, the unique microclimate creates ideal conditions: warm days let the cherries ripen slowly, while cool nights and dense afternoon fog encourage the formation of natural sugars. This gives the coffee its sweet, layered character.

The farms belong to Henry and Verena Gaibor. They met in 1996 while working with Doctors Without Borders in Burundi. After many years of running a clinic in Quito together, they decided to devote themselves fully to coffee. Today, they operate their own micromill and oversee every step themselves, from harvesting and washed processing to gentle drying.

The first aroma brings to mind caramel, vanilla ice cream, and delicate spices. In the cup, juicy orange, baked apple, and the citrusy freshness of bergamot follow. Chocolate pralines, honey, and red apple linger on the palate.

A coffee for anyone who isn’t looking for an in-your-face fruit bomb, but rather a filter coffee with delicate sweetness, balanced fruit, and enough depth to make even the last cup a pleasure.