Carolina Ramirez: The Balance Between Passion, Family and Specialty Coffee

published on September 17, 2024 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 10 mins of reading —

The world of specialty coffee is full of stories of passionate producers, but few are as inspiring as that of Carolina Ramírez . A trained lawyer, endurance runner, and now coffee farmer, Carolina embodies the new generation of coffee farmers who combine tradition, innovation, and passion. At Montreal coffee roasters 94 Celcius , we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on her exceptional work, alongside her mother Maria Victoria , on their family farm in Andes , Colombia.

Back to the Roots

Although Carolina grew up in a family of coffee farmers, with over 150 years of history in coffee cultivation, it wasn’t until two years ago that she fully immersed herself in the business. Before that, Carolina spent 12 years practicing law in Medellín, while pursuing another of her passions: trail running . However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she saw an opportunity to return to her hometown and her family’s farm in the mountains of Antioquia . It was a turning point in her life.

Returning to Andes, Carolina found a refuge not only for herself but also for her family and the workers on the farm. The quiet of the mountains and the opportunity to reconnect with nature inspired her to fully invest in specialty coffee production. Alongside her mother, she rediscovered a deep love for the land and a passion for transforming coffee beans into an exceptional beverage.

Carolina Ramirez et sa mère à leur ferme en Colombie

Family Collaboration: A History of Detail and Care

The coffee produced by Carolina and her mother Maria Victoria is much more than a simple agricultural product. It's the fruit of an intimate collaboration between mother and daughter, based on meticulous attention to every stage of the production process. Their variety of Washed Caturracalled Carolina Washedis a perfect example.

Harvested in the vastAntioquiaThis coffee is carefully fermented, washed and selected to offer a cup that reveals the fruity flavours of strawberries and jasminewith a delicate touch of fresh thyme aftertaste. Each batch is the result of a rigorous process in which the coffee cherries are harvested with precision, fermented for several hours, and dried slowly to preserve all their aromatic complexity.

This attention to detail is a signature of Carolina and Maria Victoria, who personally supervise every step, from bean selection to fermentation, drying and final selection. Their coffee is a reflection of their dedication and love for their work, and every cup bears witness to this.

From lawyer to coffee producer

Carolina's story is also one of courage and determination. When she left her career as a lawyer in Medellín to invest in the family farm, she faced many challenges. But her love of coffee and her desire to create something meaningful took over. Today, she works with partners such as Unblended Coffeewhich have enabled him to better understand market expectations while respecting his personal, artisanal approach.

Carolina values human relationships in the coffee world, always seeking to establish authentic links with buyers and consumers. This approach enables her not only to sell her coffee, but also to share the story and values behind each bean.

A Vision for the Future: Sustainable and Innovative Coffee

Carolina doesn't just produce coffee. It aims to create a model of cultivation sustainableThis is achieved by respecting the environment, while constantly striving to improve the aromatic profiles of her coffees. For her, each batch must be a surprise for the consumer, a coffee that reflects both the richness of the land and the care taken in its production.

With this in mind, she hopes to pass on through her café the values that underpinned her project: respect for nature, excellence and family know-how. Each bean is carefully selected, each stage of the process meticulously monitored, and the result is a balanced, mild and environmentally friendly coffee.

Préparation café de spécialité avec Carolina Ramirez

A Model for the New Generation of Producers

Carolina Ramírez represents the future of coffee production. She embodies the transition to a new generation of producers who are not only attached to their roots, but who also seek to innovate and create exceptional products. Her journey from the city to the countryside, and from law to specialty coffee, is a source of inspiration for all those who wish to follow their dreams.

At 94 CelciusWe are honored to work with producers like Carolina, who share our passion for excellence and authenticity. Her coffees, born of meticulous attention to detail and a deep connection with the land, are a true sensory experience that we are delighted to offer our customers.

Conclusion

The story of Carolina Ramírez is that of a return to roots, a quest for meaning and a passion shared by mother and daughter. Through their work at AndesCarolina, a Colombian company, produces specialty coffees that reflect both the richness of the Colombian terroir and their love for each stage of the process. For Carolina, each bean is an opportunity to create a unique and unforgettable experience for those who taste her coffee.

At 94 Celciuswe believe in the importance of supporting producers like Carolinawho embody not only quality, but also the future of specialty coffee. Discover these coffees in our online store and enjoy a cup of passion and tradition.

Carolina Ramirez devant un torréfacteur de café

Fermentation de café de spécialité avec Carolina Ramirez

Photos courtesy of Unblended.

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