Colombia Gaitania Light Roast

About the Coffee

The Nasa Wesx are an indigenous community based in Gaitania, a village in the Planadas municipality of Colombia's Tolima department. They also farm across indigenous territories in Cauca and Huila. Planadas itself has an unusual history: it was once a refuge for Liberal party political prisoners, and over time, the relationship between Liberal and Conservative settlers there became notably cooperative. That history is still reflected in how the region's people are known across Colombia today.

This coffee is produced using a washed process, which means the fruit is removed from the coffee cherry before the beans are dried. Washed coffees tend to be clean and straightforward in the cup, letting the character of the bean and the farming come through without interference from the fermentation that comes with other processing styles. At this elevation in Tolima, the slower cherry development that comes with cooler mountain temperatures contributes to a denser, more complex bean.

Alternate Route has sourced from Gaitania before, but this light roast is a newer approach for them with this particular lot. A lighter roast pulls back on the heat applied during roasting, preserving more of what the bean brings from the farm rather than developing roast-driven characteristics. It performs well as a pour over, drip, or even a light roast espresso.

About Alternate Route

Alternate Route Coffee Co. was started by Ian and Kellie Wahl in Alberta, Canada. What began as a shared idea between the two grew into a roastery based just outside Edmonton, near the Edmonton International Airport. Today, the operation is led by Kellie Wahl and Head Roaster Corie Sackville, and the team is majority women-owned and women-run.

They roast in small batches on a Probat P12 roaster, a machine known for consistency and control. Their sourcing focuses on producers who prioritize quality and transparency, and they build direct relationships with growers rather than sourcing through intermediaries.

"Alternate Route is our first women-owned and operated roaster, and this month I'm proud to announce every Alternate Route coffee we're featuring is sourced from women coffee producers. I'm particularly excited to share their coffee from Huila, Colombia with you - this is one of my favourite balanced coffees this year."

- Dean, Director of Coffee