Jorge Rojas, a proud member of the ASOPEP cooperative in Planadas, Tolima, is transforming Colombian coffee with his innovative techniques and relentless passion. Planadas has recently become a hub for exceptional coffee cultivation, boasting altitudes of 1,300 to 2,180 masl and a variety of microclimates ideal for diverse coffee varietals. Over the years, Jorge has become a leader in the region, earning international acclaim, including third place in the 2022 Cup of Excellence. His dedication has expanded his farm, El Jardin, to nearly 9 hectares while partnering with the community to manage additional farms.
Crafting Excellence Through Innovation
Jorge’s approach to coffee processing is meticulous and driven by experimentation. His newly opened cherry processing station, La Central, allows him to process larger volumes while maintaining precise control. Starting with perfectly ripened cherries, Jorge employs innovative fermentation techniques in sealed plastic barrels to bring out vibrant flavors. He monitors every stage—tracking temperature, sugar content, and pH—to ensure consistency. The coffee is dried carefully over a week using a silo-style dryer, with multiple rest periods to stabilize moisture and enhance quality. Jorge’s expertise as a trained cupper and roaster lets him fine-tune his process, creating unique profiles that highlight the potential of every harvest.
Coffee with a Legacy
Jorge’s commitment to excellence is a family affair—his 11-year-old son, Diego, is already an award-winning youth cupper and assists in the lab. Together, they push boundaries, experimenting with varieties like caturra to achieve profiles that rival yellow bourbon and typica. Jorge’s coffee reflects not just his skill but the rich heritage and resilience of Planadas. Each cup tells a story of innovation, collaboration, and the transformative power of coffee.
We are pleased this year to offer two unique coffees from Jorge Rojas, including this specific pink bourbon variety, which has flavors of:
Raspberry - Rainier Cherry - Dried Strawberry
Junior's Roasted Coffee paid a total of $6.50 per pound for this coffee.
Jorge's Costs were calculated to be $2.17/lb. and we have verified he was paid $3.05/lb. for this exceptional coffee.
