August 2026: Podium Gold. Olympia Coffee
Country: Colombia
Varietals: Caturra
Process: Washed
Producer: San Sebastian Small Holders
Elevation: 1,700 MASL
Tasting Notes: Stone Fruit, tangerine, and caramel
Your coffee:
Olympia's San Sebastian comes from smallholder farmers in the community of San Sebastian De La Plata (known locally as La Plata) in the heart of Huila, Colombia. Situated on three hillsides above 1,700 MASL, La Plata's combination of high altitude, significant day-to-night temperature swings, and rich agricultural heritage makes it one of the most compelling origins they work with.
Olympia began sourcing from this community in 2009, partnering with more than 100 independent smallholder farmers through a project they call Las Mingas — an indigenous Colombian word meaning "a group effort toward success." Working alongside exporter Caravela Coffee and the local producer association OCCICAFE, they evaluate individual farmer lots and combine the best into what becomes their San Sebastian offering. Producers whose coffee makes the cut are paid premiums that can reach up to five times the traditional market price.
Over 16 years, that commitment has grown into something deeper than a sourcing agreement. Olympia has worked directly with the community to address barriers beyond price — improving access to agronomic support, better working conditions, and basic infrastructure.
Your roaster:
Olympia Coffee is an independent roaster dedicated to sourcing and roasting some of the world's finest coffees. From their home in the Pacific Northwest, they partner directly with coffee farmers across nine countries in East Africa, South America, and Central America, building lasting relationships rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect.
Olympia Coffee's success is grounded in their quality-of-life mission they call Fair-for-All, which has led them to create direct trade partnerships with coffee farmers worldwide. Their Fair For All sourcing standards ensure that every producer and their employees are fairly compensated. Going further still, each individual involved in the production of their coffee should be able to live and work in safe conditions.
In order for the coffee industry to progress, Olmpia believes the industry must not only improve the lives of its partners at origin, but also look inward and examine areas of growth. Fair For All challenges them daily, and at every level of their organization and supply chain, to make their work environment an equitable place driven by diversity of thought, creativity, and passion.
That commitment extends to the cup itself, where every lot is roasted to bring forward the character of its origin and honor the work of the farmers who produced it.
