Finca Nuguo

José “Pocho” Gallardo and his farm Finca Nuguo is among the most famous coffee producers in the world— and you have more of a connection to him than you may think! Lem and Kyle both used Finca Nuguo for their respective barista competitions, winning USBC and making finals at WBC in 2016 and 2017 respectively. This helped put Nuguo on the map, and now it is one of the most esteemed farms in the world, producing the revered Geisha variety in what is considered the best terroir in the world.

Founded by Bill Li, a comp sci graduate not much older than me, Hydrangea has blossomed into one of the most respected roasters in the country. Ash left me some of this very special coffee on her last visit to Raleigh.