Monte Alban

Monte Alban is a 1,000 year old Zapotec ruin in southern Mexico that is surrounded by mountainous coffee farms. One of the earliest Meso-American great urban centers of the classical period, Monte Alban housed the advanced ancient Zapotec culture that made many developments in astronomy, writing, and even medicine. After their mysterious abandonment of the site post 600 AD, the area was used by other groups, including the Mixtec, who recognized the site as spiritually significant. Today, a sense of magic still resonates from Monte Alban and the past and present are joined through culture, artifacts, and delicious coffee. Coffee growers in the region have been producing coffee for more than three generations. We purchased this coffee from Caravela coffee, who is working with farmers to help them certify their farms and add value to their product. What stood out to JBC was not only the rich history of Monte Alban but the beautiful cup the farmers have managed to produce once again this year. Tasting notes of green grape, tres leches, peach, green apple, and agave abound in this winey and lovely cup.