Cup of Excellence Reserve — 2023 Vintage

At a turning point in his life, Bernard Uhe craved something deeper—a fresh start. Drawn to the beauty of Ecuador, he packed his bags and set off with nothing but curiosity and a desire for inspiration.

It was in the lush coffee farms of Loja that Bernard found his calling. A chance meeting with a farmer named Don Luis introduced him to the world of coffee—its craft, its challenges, and the vibrant culture that surrounded it. Inspired, Bernard immersed himself in the community, learning everything about coffee and the stories of those who grew it.

Fueled by a passion to make a difference, Bernard launched "Manos Unidas"—a social enterprise connecting local farmers to global markets while reinvesting in education and resources for the next generation of growers. Today, Bernard isn’t just a coffee enthusiast; he’s a bridge between cultures, using coffee to uplift a community he now calls home.

Ecuador gave Bernard more than a new chapter—it gave him purpose. And with every cup of coffee, he shares that story with the world.

La Noria sits at a high elevation, basking in 12 hours of sunlight year-round—a perfect recipe for exceptional coffee. The farm’s coffee trees thrive under the protective canopy of tall shade trees and are nourished by water from a pristine, mineral-rich spring. With a commitment to sustainable farming, the soil is enriched using natural remedies like neem and nutrient-packed “worm tea,” fostering vibrant, healthy plants. This careful attention to the ecosystem produces cherries of unparalleled quality, capturing the essence of La Noria’s unique terroir.

The Cup of Excellence is the world’s most prestigious coffee competition, often referred to as the gold standard for exceptional quality. It showcases the finest coffees from around the globe, rigorously evaluated by an international panel of expert judges for their flavor, craftsmanship, and distinctiveness. Winning coffees are not only celebrated for their extraordinary quality but are also auctioned to top buyers at premium prices, providing farmers with well-deserved recognition and transformative financial rewards. It’s more than a competition—it’s a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the dedication of farmers who elevate coffee to an art form.

The Cup of Excellence Presidential Award is an elite recognition given to coffees that score 90 points or higher on the competition's rigorous 100-point scale. Achieving this score places a coffee among the rarest and most exceptional in the world, celebrated for its outstanding quality, complexity, and flavor profile. This award not only honors the skill and dedication of the farmer but also represents the pinnacle of coffee excellence, setting a benchmark for the industry.