At age 18, Alfonso Nolasco started his first farm with the clear vision to grow coffees that would have high cup quality and allow him access to the specialty coffee market.  He did this by focusing on organic farming practices while growing varieties with specialized quality characteristics such as Pacas and Catuai.  Over time, his vision and family have expanded this project into a group of farms called Emmanuel, named after the first farm.  They all have different altitudes, microclimates, and distinctive flavor profiles. Don Alfonso doesn’t just grow coffee on his farms.  He also raises poultry, pigs and cattle, as well as the planting of vegetables, for family consumption and sale in the local market. It is also noteworthy that the waste from vegetables and animal manure on his farm is used to manufacture fertilizers for the same plantation, with help from COMSA, where his son Selvin is a talented member of the quality control team in the cupping lab.  Selvin is also a member of Marcala’s badass downhill mountain bike team is worth an instagram follow at @selvin22_nolascodh. This is our first year working with Alfonso and we have a washed lot from his farm.