Our collaboration with Emerson Felipe Narváez shines a light on the resilience and ambition of a new generation of Colombian producers. Based in Cumbitara, Nariño, Emerson is redefining what’s possible in a region long shaped by difficult choices. Through precision farming, extended fermentations, and a deep belief in specialty coffee, he’s proving that quality and integrity can be powerful tools for transformation.

Finca El Turpial

Perched at 2,200 meters above sea level in the highlands of Nariño, Finca El Turpial spans 30 hectares, with one hectare fully dedicated to SL-28. Emerson, a second-generation farmer, works his land with a long-term vision: cultivating exotic varieties, investing in quality-focused processes, and building a sustainable future through coffee in a region where fast but destructive alternatives often dominate.

Starting with just 3.5 hectares and minimal resources, Emerson chose the harder road. He moved onto the farm alone, planted varieties many considered “impossible” for the area, and invested heavily—sometimes against all advice. Years of perseverance paid off as his coffees began to stand out, earning him 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in the Mi Nariño competition across different years. These milestones opened doors to the specialty market and encouraged him to take yet another risk: acquiring a second, even higher-elevation farm with no road access and no electricity.

Varietal & Process

Variety: SL-28
Process: Semi-washed
Fermentation: 144 hours total (48h whole cherry, 96h mucilage)
Drying: 13 days, sun-dried
Altitude: 2,200 m
Producer: Emerson Felipe Narváez — Finca El Turpial, Cumbitara, Nariño, Colombia
Harvest: June 2025

This SL-28 lot undergoes an extended, carefully controlled fermentation. Fully ripe cherries are selectively picked and floated before a first 48-hour anaerobic fermentation in cherry, carried out dry in sealed blue barrels. After pulping, the coffee ferments for an additional 96 hours with mucilage intact, then slowly sun-dried over 13 days.

While the long fermentation might suggest intensely “process-forward” flavors, the high altitude plays a crucial role: cooler temperatures significantly slow metabolic activity, preserving clarity and balance. The result is a coffee that bridges worlds — combining the brightness and structure of Kenyan SL-28 with the sweetness and depth of Colombian terroir.

Tasting Notes

🍒 Red Berries – 🍊 Blood Orange – 🌺 Floral Spice

A bold and expressive cup with vibrant fruit character, layered acidity, and a juicy, wine-like structure. Bright yet composed, with a lingering, elegant finish that reflects both its Kenyan heritage and high-altitude Colombian origin.

In Collaboration

Finca El Turpial stands as a testament to vision, patience, and conviction. Emerson’s work goes beyond producing exceptional coffee — it’s about reclaiming land, inspiring his community, and demonstrating that specialty coffee can be a viable, honest, and transformative path forward in Cumbitara. We’re proud to share this SL-28 lot, a striking expression of courage and craft, and a glimpse into the future Emerson is building — one harvest at a time.