Mejor—Spanish for "best"—captures exactly what Panther Coffee set out to create: a showcase blend of the finest lots from smallholder farmers around Popayán in Cauca, Colombia. These producers tend tiny plots of one to two hectares at elevations between 1,700 and 1,900 meters, cultivating Castillo varietals that thrive in Cauca's volcanic soils and microclimates. Each lot is washed-processed and sun-dried on raised tables at the farm level, preserving the bright, clean cup character this region is known for.
Panther Coffee partners with Coffee for Peace, an initiative led by the Colombian Coffee Federation, to source and cup the best offerings from these small farms. By blending standout individual lots into a larger, more shareable volume, farmers receive premium pricing for their careful work, and you get a coffee that represents Cauca at its most vibrant. The result is a cup with remarkable clarity and sweetness—a fitting tribute to the word "mejor."
Tasting Notes
Expect Montemorency cherry brightness up front, with a citrus-forward acidity that's lively but never sharp. Milk chocolate richness anchors the mid-palate, lending sweetness and body that carries through to a lingering, silky finish. The intensity of flavor is notable—each sip feels concentrated and deliberate, with a clean aftertaste that invites another cup.
Brew Methods
Mejor shines as both espresso and filter coffee. Pull it as a single-origin espresso for a fruit-forward shot with chocolate undertones and syrupy body, or dial it in for pour-over (V60, Kalita Wave) to highlight the cherry and citrus notes. It's equally rewarding in a French press, where the body gets a bit more weight and the chocolate comes forward. Cold brew brings out the sweetness and tames the acidity, making it dangerously drinkable on hot days.
About the Roaster
Panther Coffee, based in Miami, has been a partner with Coffee for Peace since the organization's founding in 2018, demonstrating a long-term commitment to supporting smallholder producers in post-conflict regions of Colombia. Their roasting approach emphasizes transparency, quality, and the stories behind each cup.
Our team at Clive is here to help you dial in grinder settings, recommend brew equipment, and make sure you're getting the most out of every bag of Mejor.