PACIFIC FLYWAY - SMITHSONIAN BIRD FRIENDLY®

Tastes Like: Red D’Anjou Pear, Caramel, Pecan

Why I'm Obsessed: According to the Smithsonian, bird populations in the US and Canada have declined by nearly 30% since 1970, with habitat loss as a primary driver. And 75% of the world's coffee is farmed in ways that leave no place for birds. We don't want to drink those coffees! As far as certifications go, the Smithsonian Bird Friendly standard is the most rigorous shade-grown designation in the industry. In order to become certified, farms must maintain at least 40% shade coverage, a minimum of 11 tree species (with 60% native to the region), and organic certification with zero synthetic inputs. The result, from Smithsonian research, is that Bird Friendly farms support over four times the bird species of monoculture coffee farming methods. While not all environmentally-friendly coffee carries this certification, all coffees with this certification deserve to be celebrated!

That said, Pacific Flyway Blend HAPPENS to be the first certified Bird Friendly Coffee roasted in Portland Oregon. Nice. Water Avenue created this rotating blend in collaboration with the Bird Alliance of Oregon, a conservation organization that’s over 120 years old! Pacific Flyway is named for the migration corridor that runs down the Pacific Coast, where (funny enough), many of our native bird species travel down to Latin and South America to overwinter… and yes, many find their way to coffee farms! SO COOL. And the cup? A classic washed Peruvian coffee from a cooperative in Cajamarca, one of Peru’s top growing regions. This light-medium profile is smooth and dependable, with a classic chocolaty body, gentle acidity and a sugar-roasted-pecan sweetness. Of COURSE it’s good if it’s from Water Avenue, one of Portland’s oldest (and hippest, and most beloved) coffee roasters. They didn't just source a great coffee this time. They built a habitat for one.

Bottom Line: You'll love this coffee if you love classic South American coffees, pecan pie, or you want your kids’ kids’ kids to grow up in a world that still has morning birdsong.

Roberto’s commitment to organic farming pairs harmoniously with his commitment to his community. La Amistad’s proximity to the border of Panama has attracted many indigenous people from that country who come to the farm during harvest season with their entire families. Roberto ensures their needs are met by providing housing and free access to medical care for the seasonal pickers. Roberto also takes pride in his ability to provide more than 100 full-time jobs to his neighbors from Las Mellizas, not only in coffee cultivation, but also in the dried fruit operation that he runs year-round at La Amistad. Roberto hosts an annual employee celebration to recognize all their hard work and he also distributes school supplies to their children each year before school starts.