Elias and Shady Bayter - Colombia
Country: Colombia
Region: Tolima
Altitude: 5,600 – 6,500 ft
Farm: El Vergel
Growers: Elias and Shady Bayter
Species Grown: Gesha, Java, Pacamara, Red Bourbon, Laurina, Caturra
Characteristics: Nutrient-rich soil, 300 hectares of pure coffee paradise
Flavor Profile: Complex, floral notes with a balanced acidity, sweetness, and a rich body
Shop single origin Colombia Decaf coffee from Elias and Shady Bayter
We also feature their Black Condor beans in our Black Bear and Kelly's Breakfast Blend
A Legacy Born on the Slopes of a Volcano
In the shadow of Colombia’s Nevado del Ruiz volcano, Elias and Shady Bayter have crafted a coffee legacy at El Vergel Farm. Their journey began in 1995, with their father growing avocados in the fertile soil of Fresno, Tolima before passing the farm down to the two brothers.
But the allure of coffee soon captured their hearts and in 2016, the brothers transformed their 300-hectare farm, planting coffee varieties that thrive in the nutrient-rich volcanic soil. This made El Vergel one of the region's most revered coffee estates, and what sets them apart is not just their tradition, but their innovation.
Coffee Elevated to Art
El Vergel's transition to coffee farming was not just a shift in crops—it was a dedication to quality and mastery. The Bayter brothers planted prestigious varietals like Gesha, Java, and Red Bourbon, nurturing each plant to perfection. Today, their processing techniques are as meticulous as their planting, with each bean hand-picked and inspected by expert farmers. Their passion for coffee is palpable: “It doesn’t feel like working anymore,” they say, reflecting the deep connection they feel with the land and the coffee they produce.
A Land Like No Other
The Tolima region, with its diverse altitudes and microclimates, is renowned for producing exceptional coffee. The rich volcanic soil of El Vergel, along with steady rains and temperate weather, creates the perfect environment for producing unique flavor profiles. These conditions bring out the complexity and depth in every cup, making El Vergel's coffee prized by roasters and coffee aficionados worldwide.
A Collaboration of Excellence
SoZo Coffee Roasting is proud to partner with El Vergel Farm, working together to bring some of the finest Colombian coffee to Michigan. Through this collaboration, SoZo Coffee gains insight into the Bayter brothers' innovative processing techniques, and in return, our coffee roastery helps showcase their exceptional coffee to a broader audience. This partnership has created a bridge between the rich soil of Tolima and the coffee lovers of Michigan and beyond, ensuring that every cup tells a story of dedication, innovation, and quality.
A Lasting Impact on the Bayter Family and Their Community
By partnering with SoZo Coffee Roasting, the Bayter family has been able to expand their reach beyond Colombia, sharing the fruits of their labor with new markets. Their commitment to sustainable practices and the quality of their coffee has not only enriched their lives but also supported their local community, creating jobs and opportunities for other farmers in Tolima.
Some Highlights and Additional Information
- El Vergel farm is situated in one of the most nutrient-rich volcanic soils in the world.
- Produces some of the most prized varietals, including Gesha and Java.
- Innovative processing techniques that emphasize quality and sustainability.
- Their unique approach to coffee farming has transformed their community, providing jobs and sustainable farming methods.
- El Vergel’s coffee offers a complex and rich flavor profile that stands apart in the coffee world.
- SoZo Coffee’s partnership with Elias and Shady ensures their coffee reaches new markets, benefiting both the farm and its surrounding communities.
Shop single origin Colombia Decaf coffee from Elias and Shady Bayter
We also feature their Black Condor beans in our Black Bear and Kelly's Breakfast Blend