Cat & Cloud's Colombia El Tejo is a year-round anchor—a single-origin that captures everything beloved about Colombian coffee while rotating through carefully selected seasonal lots. Named after Colombia's national sport (a game involving gunpowder-filled clay discs and much celebration), El Tejo delivers consistent quality with seasonal nuance. This is single-origin coffee at its most approachable: bright without being sharp, sweet without being simple, complex enough to reward attention but balanced enough to enjoy every morning.
Tasting Notes
Expect bright fruit—think red apple, stone fruit, sometimes citrus—layered over a foundation of creamy milk chocolate. The acidity is lively but refined, never aggressive, with a sweetness that carries through a clean finish. Medium body provides enough weight to feel substantial without heaviness. As Cat & Cloud sources new lots throughout the year, specific flavor notes shift—one season might lean toward berry and caramel, another toward apricot and cocoa—but the core profile remains: fruit-forward, chocolate-backed, beautifully balanced. It's the kind of coffee that tastes different at different temperatures, revealing layers as it cools.
Brew Methods
El Tejo shines across virtually every brewing method, making it an ideal choice whether you're dialing in a new espresso machine or perfecting your pour-over technique. As espresso, it produces sweet, fruit-forward shots with chocolate undertones and enough body to stand up in milk drinks without losing character. In pour-over (V60, Kalita, Chemex), the brightness opens up, showcasing the fruit notes while maintaining balance. French press brings out the chocolate and body, creating a fuller, creamier cup. Even cold brew works beautifully, producing a smooth, sweet concentrate with low acidity. This versatility makes El Tejo an excellent choice for households with multiple brewing devices or shops looking for a reliable single-origin workhorse.
About Cat & Cloud
Cat & Cloud, based in Santa Cruz, California, has built a reputation for approachable specialty coffee that doesn't sacrifice quality for accessibility. Their El Tejo exemplifies this philosophy: serious sourcing and roasting in service of everyday enjoyment.
Whether you're new to single-origin coffee or a seasoned home barista, Clive's team can help you dial in grinder settings, recommend water recipes, and pair El Tejo with equipment that will bring out its best qualities. Because great coffee deserves great gear—and the knowledge to use it well.