A good cup of Cuban coffeé and a Cheap & cheerful cigar.

[laficion]

A few days ago, I got in contact with our friend Andy Ryan and we started talking about coffeé and other things. While we were at it,he spoke to me about his getting involved in coffeé in "Pinar del rio" in Cuba and said that he would send me a sample of his coffeé and as payback his only asked me to write out a review (which i did).

Well, I got his coffeé and i asked a friend of mine, (Mike), who is passionate coffeé roaster and blender, he also has a coffeé shop in Calvisson, to make me a good cup of coffeé with my sample of Cuban coffeé. And at the same time introduce himself to F.O.H.ers and all lovers of coffeé. Well, here is an introduction to Andy's coffeé and at the same time, some info about Mick's job as a coffeé roaster and a few pics of his place and shop in Calvisson.

Firstly--- a few words and pics. about Andy's coffeé from Cuba.

Secondly---a few pics of Mick and him making me a good cup of coffeé this morning that hit the spot with a Cheap & Cheerful cigar that was a Partagas-Super Partagas.

Andy's coffeé hit the spot with a taste of rich coffeé and flavors from Cuba.And Mick made it all happen with his passion for REAL coffeé and is love for all types of coffeé from around the world.

I thank Andy for sending me this sample and Mick for making my day a wonderful moment.

Thank you both for a great day.

Pinarica, the first single-origin coffee from Cuba’s Pinar del Río Province is washed 100% Arabica grown beneath native shade trees on small farms using traditional, low-impact methods.

Shade-grown cultivation plays an essential role in both quality and sustainability – moderating temperature, protecting soil structure, reducing water use and supporting biodiversity. These conditions also allow the coffee cherries to ripen slowly, allowing better clarity and complexity in the bean.

Pinarica works directly with farming communities in Pinar del Río, developing reforestation projects to strengthen long-term crop resilience.

Sustainable practices also improve consistency and availability of coffee for local consumption in Cuba, while allowing us to share selected lots beyond the island.

Hand-harvested in micro-lots and washed locally, this coffee offers low acidity, natural sweetness, and a medium-dark roast, preserving the region’s terroir.

Grown alongside Cuba’s most renowned plantations, this coffee has been enjoyed for generations by farming families whose careful management of the land has also produced the world’s finest cigars.

[JohnS]

Thank you for sharing this story, Guy! 

[ha_banos]

Great pics. Low acidity. Magic words for me where coffee is concerned. Thanks for the review.

I'm waiting for my sample! 😁 

[JPark3]

Coffee from the land is a priority on my bucket list.

[Fuzz AI]

Fantastic write up! Wishing Andy and his Cuban partners all the success!

But, the real question is...how does this coffee go with 6 pumps of coconut, 6 pumps of vanilla, 2 pumps of caramel sauce, extra whip cream and caramel drizzle with sprinkles...oh and skim milk only?

[laficion]

Dear Fuzz AL,

This coffeé will not go well with a "STARBUCK ",

Here we're talking about" REAL"  coffeé. LOL LOL.

Amicalement,

Guy.

[Li Bai]

Excited to try it out!! Where will I be able to find it?

[Duder]

13 hours ago, Fuzz AI said:

Fantastic write up! Wishing Andy and his Cuban partners all the success!

But, the real question is...how does this coffee go with 6 pumps of coconut, 6 pumps of vanilla, 2 pumps of caramel sauce, extra whip cream and caramel drizzle with sprinkles...oh and skim milk only?

Classic! I know someone who spends ungodly amounts of cash on beans. Jamaican Blue Mountain, Single Estate Kona Peaberry - you name it. Then poisons it with coffee-mate. I just don’t get it. 

[Ryan]

Thanks so much for taking the time to review, Guy and the effort put into it! Apologies for the delayed reply, it’s been a busy period.

Despite the cancellation of the Habanos Festival, I decided to go ahead and launch the coffee in Havana during what would have been festival week. Given the logistical issues caused by the oil blockade, we still managed to gather a great crowd for the event. It took a few favours to secure fuel so my coffee team from Pinar del Río could travel to and from Havana for the day, but absolutely worth it. I am really happy to get the coffee finally launched in Havana. It was a lovely morning.

We held the launch at the El Faro cigar shop in El Morro fortress, which now features a beautiful new pairing room. The perfect setting, with one of the best views of Havana. The Laguito No. 2 cigars I had blended for the morning paired perfectly.

A couple of forum members here managed to make it along and thanks so much for coming!

Some pictures of the launch morning...