Season's Best: Honduras - Oscar Alonzo, Natural Gesha Filter

Don Oscar converted to organic farming in 2001 on the urging of his long-time friend and coffee legend Rodolfo Penalba. He recounted that the first two years were difficult, with a poor understanding of soil science and coffee trees that were stressed and addicted to synthetic inputs causing production to plumet. However, Oscar doubled down, studying agronomy and becoming an expert in organic farming methods. Over the proceeding seasons, he saw a marked increase in productivity, coffee quality and ecological regeneration. Cual Bicicleta soon became renowned within the local community and abroad as one of the leading organic coffee farms globally.

Don Oscar’s infectious sense of humour shines through in every interaction. The plot this microlot was grown on is named “Vi Un Pato Montado En Una Bicicleta Que Iba A La Finca” – “I saw a duck riding a bicycle going to the farm”, a cheeky and provocative name that Oscar recounts with a broad smile. But despite his jovial demeanour, Oscar is a serious coffee artisan who constantly reinvests in the health of his farm, unique variety cultivation and the post-harvest processing that all culminate in delightful and unique tasting coffees. 

Our relationship with the Alonzo family stretches beyond just Oscar; his son Melvin Alonzo is also a coffee producer that we purchase from annually, with a similarly dedicated ethos passed down the family line. We are thrilled to feature their coffees each year as part of our stable of delightful Honduran coffees.