about
COFFEE GEMS, ARTISAN ROASTERS
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The tale of Coffee Gems is truly unique and sets it apart from the countless coffee stories you may have come across. While I share with you that deep and genuine love for coffee, that subtle strength it adds to our daily lives, and the vibrant communities it fosters, my personal journey with this beverage took a rather unconventional path. It all started in the remote Colombian region of Huila, where coffee beans thrive abundantly.
I grew up on my grandparents' coffee estate, and to this day, my fondest memories are intertwined with that chapter of my life. A sparkle of happiness fills me whenever I recall the sight of coffee plantations in full bloom, adorning the lush green trees in a dazzling white tapestry. The air would carry the enchanting scents of jasmine, evoking a sense of wonder that swept across the hills. I can still vividly recall my grandmother's ritual of roasting coffee in a copper pot, a process that would engulf our home in a uniquely powerful and captivating fragrance, overwhelming my senses. Even now, that same aroma has the remarkable ability to transport me back to that joyous childhood, as if I am reliving another, longer phase of pure happiness.
Despite working for large corporations for several years, I felt that it wasn't my calling; I experienced a profound emptiness in my soul. It took me a long time to discover my true 'element': the world of coffee. Throughout my life, I have always been driven by the desire to bridge the gap between the cherished memories of my childhood and the realities of my everyday life.
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Coffee is a lot MORE than just a drink, it's something happening. not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. it gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like yourself, and have a second cup
-Gertrude Stein-
Our coffee beans
QUALITY COFFEE FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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So here I am, and over 18 years have passed since I embarked on this journey in the world of specialty coffees. Throughout, I have maintained a special approach: to honour the hardworking farmers who lie at the heart of this incredible world. Despite grappling with significant challenges, their dedication remains unwavering. They undertake an extraordinary endeavour, producing exceptional beans bursting with unimaginable and magical flavours, so we genuinely evidence respect by paying them top prices, far higher that Fair Trade pricing.
However, my proposal too extends beyond honouring these remarkable farmers. It also encompasses cherishing the people who love the experience of tasting a unique and honest cup of coffee and the creative spaces that coffee naturally create around us.
I’m central to roasting coffee, which is far from a simple process of heating beans until they turn brown. It is a complex and challenging art that demands meticulous monitoring of time and roast temperatures, all contingent upon carefully selected profiles and origins. Mastering this craft takes years of experience and expertise.
However, even the most skilled roasting techniques cannot yield exceptional coffee if we begin with ordinary, mass-produced beans. Therefore, the journey towards excellence commences with the meticulous selection of some of the finest coffees in the world. This pursuit starts by personally visiting farmers, forging enduring relationships, often with farms that have achieved top-10 recognition in the prestigious Cup of Excellence.
Nevertheless, these two crucial activities alone fall short if we fail to perpetually evangelise. Thus, a significant area of leadership lies in conveying authentic stories to coffee lovers, devoid of unnecessary jargon or fluff. Every interaction with coffee should be a delightful, honest, and unforgettable experience that forges a deeper connection with this magnificent beverage
