I first met Melanie in Antigua, in 2012. I was there to learn Spanish, and to work on the relationship between Luis Pedro Zelaya and his mill Bella Vista as a representative for Collaborative Coffee Source. I became good friends with many of the people working there, including Melanie, and now Antigua has become like a second home to me. Melanie is still working with Luis Pedro at the mill and export company, maintaining client relationships as well as many other things. She bought her farm in early 2017, and has mostly been renovating the coffee trees the last couple of years. On the farm, which is approximately one hectare, she has coffee trees, shade trees, four avocado trees and even some Macadamia nut trees. The farm ranges from 1820 to 1890 masl. In harvest season she receives help with picking the cherries. She will then deliver the cherries to Beneficio Bella Vista. There the batch is pulped and fermented for about 12 hours, thereafter washed and dried in the greenhouse. Melanie is lucky to receive help from many of the people at Bella Vista, especially Luis Pedro Zelaya. Last year I asked Melanie if I could buy some of her coffee, and I was lucky enough to acquire a bag of 46kg. Next year I’m hoping I’ll need more :)

Please enjoy the first coffee from Brattestø Coffee.

-Bjørnar