This washed coffee originates from the Chito municipality in Zamora Chinchipe province, Ecuador, at an elevation of 1600-1800 meters. It represents select producers from the Chito community, with operations headed by Juan Peña and CafExporto. The coffee is a regional blend featuring Sarchimor, Caturra, SL-28, Catimor, Castillo, and Colombia 6 varieties. The processing follows washed protocols with same-day depulping after picking and 48-hour underwater fermentation. Parchment is dried on raised beds in greenhouses. The flavor profile is balanced with floral lime, molasses, and chocolate notes, offering classic washed characteristics with moderate acidity.
Pair Cupworks is a specialty micro roastery in Mesa, Arizona, founded by Kimhak Em and Eugenia Tai. Kimhak brings over 30 years of food service experience and a culinary background; Eugenia combines structural engineering with commercial illustration and handles the brand's visual identity. They began roasting in 2017, initially selling beans online while working day jobs, and opened their first coffee bar in 2020. Food & Wine Magazine named them Best Coffee Roaster in the state in 2022. They roast in small batches with the goal of developing clean flavours that respect the work of farmers and producers. Wholesale clients now stretch across the US and into Europe and Asia.
