How it all begins?

Somewhere in the middle of Q4 of 2015, the partners of Dutch Colony brainstormed the idea of a seasonal blend. Really, it wasn’t just entirely about the blend but rather, the story with the end product as the symbolic gesture. A story in the blend to signify our struggles, challenges, and blessings as a growing company, yet a seasonal product that is so good and we will be proud to have.

This blend needs a name and after a few rounds (serious rounds) of playful name tossing, we finally agreed with Catapult, spelt as Katapult with a capital letter K, on the 25th of November 2015. Our prayers that this symbolic blend will slingshot our way to coffee success, both locally and globally! 

Expect exciting components in our Katapult, as the crops change according to the harvest cycles and seasonality of the origins.

Katapult version #011:

Since its launch, we have reached 'numero undici' or Katapult Blend number 11 and it is never in our nature to shy away from a Katapult that will get the palate all excited yet overwhelmed with flavours! #011 promises the same. Here we introduce, the two single origins that makes Katapult #011.

Guatemala – Finca La Bendición El Progreso:

Situated in mountain region of Sierra de las Minas in the Department of El Progreso is Finca La Bendición. The Sierra de las Minas range is home to Mesoamerica’s largest cloud forests and houses a biodiverse array of ecosystems. Approximately 70% of all bird and mammal species in Guatemala and Belize are located within this mountainous region. Some species include the margay, cougar, and the iconic quetzal. A rich and biodiverse area to grow coffee in Guatemala.

José Gómez is the owner and manager of the farm’s 37.8 hectares of land. He grows mainly Bourbon, Caturra, Catuaí on the soils of Finca La Bendición, in addition to some smaller plots dedicated to producing Maracaturra, SL28 and Java. Native trees such as Shalum, Grevillea and Mora are used as shade for the coffee trees to help create a cool climate, ensuring an even ripening occurs.

Ethiopia – Guji Uraga Raro Nansebo:

Started by a close-knit Ethiopian coffee-producing family, Sookoo produces and exports high-quality coffee from some of the most well-known regions in the world. Currently, the company is led by Ture Ware and manages washing stations in both Uraga and Shaakkisso Woredas.

For this particular coffee, 20 smallholder individual farmers have contributed to the lot; typically, growing coffee in conjunction with raising livestock. Producers in this region face challenges, with a lack of clean water and poor soil conservation. To ameliorate these threats, producers are beginning to work together and educate each other on different methods to conserve water and promote soil health. To improve the biodiversity and climate of the area – indigenous trees are being planted in this region. This also helps create a microclimate for the coffee and provide nutrients to the soil. Well known to the Raro Nansebo where these smallholders grow coffee, is the famous Laayyoo tree. With its deep roots and nutrientrich leaves, the tree help improves the condition of the soil for farming.

We only have limited bags of these and will probably undergo only a total of 4 to 5 roast batches in January 2025, so go on and splurge and self pamper yourself. You deserve it!