Barako Espesyal - Coffee Spotlight

Plantation Agoncillo is home to a very unique liberica.

Overseen by owner Elaine Barrios, the Liberica coffee sits amongst a lush sugarcane plantation which is said to make the cherries distinctively sweeter. The plantation is located in Batangas a few hours drive from Manila. Elaine welcomed us to the farm alongside the resident farmer and his family. Elaine explained to us the farm had been in her family for decades for its sugarcane production and with the recent boom in specialty coffee she decided to purchase liberica seedlings.

After 5 years on we can see the fruits of her and the farmers patience and hard work as we walk through rows of stout lush Liberia trees. The farm is home to 3 different types of Liberia, red, yellow and orange which are all native to Batangas, Philippines. Elaine produces around 1000kg of cherries each harvest, of which 200kg make it to parchment stage. Harvest time being December to January, where after the beans are honey processed (de pulped with some of the mucilage (coffee cherry flesh) left on and dried on raised sunbeds for 10 days to reach an ideal 11% moisture content.

A humbling experience reminding us the hard work that goes into the coffees we offer and drink back home in London. The Barako is an outstanding coffee full of soft whiskey tones and a orange marmalade like acidity.

This unique micro lot is exclusive to Kapihan, sourced directly from the farm with no middle men/green buyers involved. This is a core initiative we hope to develop as Kapihan progresses, ensuring both farm and roaster is maximising every price per kg paid.

It is privilege for us to showcase this coffee and a great example of the quality of Philippine Liberica.