Sitio Belis - Philippines

Origin: Philippines Region: Belis, Atok, Benguet 

Producer: 72 coffee-producing families in Belis

Farm: Small-scale family farms (community lot)

Roastery: Swerl Coffee Roasters

Process: Washed

Variety: Orange Bourbon

Altitude: 1,400–1,700 m above sea level

Yield: Unknown

Taste profile: Almond butter, milk chocolate, and citrus – very sweet cup with balanced acidity and smooth body

Brewing recommendation: Hand filter (V60, Kalita), electric brewer, batch brewing

Packaging: 250 g or 1,000 g – whole beans or ground

Roasted for: Filter

This is a special coffee from Belis in Benguet on the island of Luzon in the Philippines – a clear example of how local initiatives can uplift an entire coffee-producing region. The coffee is produced by over 72 small-scale farmers who together deliver their coffee cherries to a shared processing center in the village.

The project is run in collaboration with the organization **Kalsada**, a social enterprise working to develop specialty coffee in the Philippines. Through investments in equipment, training, and improved processing methods, Kalsada helps local producers meet international quality standards. At the same time, they pay producers more than one dollar above the Fair Trade price to ensure better economic conditions.

The first shared processing facility in Belis was established in 2015 through a Kickstarter campaign. Since then, production has grown from about 1.5 tons to over 11 tons of coffee per year. Belis is located in the Cordillera mountains at 1,400–1,700 meters elevation, where a cool climate and natural springs create excellent conditions for coffee cultivation. The result is a coffee with distinct sweetness, nuttiness, and soft citrus notes.

1. Origin & Producers

The coffee is grown by 72 small-scale producer families in Belis in the Benguet region on the island of Luzon. The high altitudes and cool mountain climate contribute to slow ripening and the development of complex flavors.

2. Process

The coffee cherries are delivered to Kalsadas community mill where they undergo a washed process. Centralized processing ensures consistent quality, a clean flavor profile, and better control over fermentation and drying.

3. Brewing

Roasted for filter brewing and works excellently in V60, Kalita, and electric brewers. The result is a sweet and smooth cup with clear notes of almond, milk chocolate, and citrus.