Wilmer & Yenni Moncayo

Wilmer and Yenni Moncayo are dedicated coffee producers operating in the Pitalito region of Huila, Colombia. Their farm, La Loma, serves as the primary site for their coffee cultivation and processing efforts. The couple has spent their lives immersed in the coffee industry, with Wilmer notably working in the United States for four years during his twenties to save the capital necessary to return to Colombia and acquire the land that would become La Loma.

The farm is situated at an altitude of 1,780 meters above sea level, a high-elevation environment that is conducive to the development of complex flavor compounds in coffee cherries. This specific microclimate in Huila is highly regarded for producing coffees with distinct acidity and sweetness, which the Moncayos leverage through careful agricultural management.

Wilmer and Yenni Moncayo are particularly known for their work with the Pink Bourbon variety. This variety is a hybrid that has gained significant attention in the specialty coffee market for its unique sensory characteristics, often described as having a combination of tropical fruit, floral oolong, and berry-like sweetness. The cultivation of such varieties requires precise attention to detail, as the producers must manage the trees to ensure consistent quality and yield.

Their processing methodology is centered on quality control at every stage of the post-harvest process. The coffee cherries are hand-picked at the peak of ripeness to ensure optimal sugar content. Following the harvest, the cherries undergo a flotation process to remove any defects or low-density beans. The coffee is then de-pulped on the same day it is harvested, a critical step in maintaining the integrity of the bean and preventing premature fermentation before the washing process begins.

In the specialty coffee sector, the Moncayos are recognized for their commitment to producing exceptional micro-lots. Their work has been featured by specialty roasters who prioritize traceability and direct relationships with producers. These partnerships allow the Moncayos to focus on their specialty coffee projects, which are characterized by a rigorous approach to farm management and processing techniques.

As young producers, Wilmer and Yenni Moncayo represent a segment of the Colombian coffee industry that is increasingly focused on market differentiation through variety selection and refined processing. Their story is one of reinvestment and dedication to the craft of coffee production, with their output consistently meeting the high standards required for the international specialty coffee market.