Makicuna | Ecuadorean Coffee

About Makicuna

Our Introduction to Makicuna

We were first introduced to Makicuna via James and Dale at the Green Coffee Collective. Thanks to the connection, we were able to source our very first coffee for our masterpieces range, which was a Carbonic Macerated Natural Typica Mejorado from Olinka Velez (it feels strange to say that now, and feels so long ago!).

We really appreciated how open, honest, and approachable they were with us, which made the process of sourcing coffee through them very easy. Makicuna offer full traceability of the product and a direct trade relationship between producer and roaster.

Ecuadorian Coffee & Regions

Makicuna now source from over 25 different coffee producers in Ecuador – primarily from Loja, Pichincha, and Imbabura. The Andes mountain range cleaves through the entire country – midway down this range, there is a plateau corridor called “Altiplano”. Most of the coffee production is conducted either side of this area.

Ecuador is an incredibly unique country to grow in thanks to the high altitude and cool year-round temperatures, with 800km of mountains and microclimates. Coffees cultivated in the northern half of the country near Imbabura and Pichincha tend a little more Colombian in their flavour output profiles – lots of juicy fruits – whereas coffees from Loja I find tend a lot more floral in their flavour output – similar to Ethiopia.

The country grows a high proportion of Sidra and Typica Mejorado, which makes for an amazing output quality from a flavour perspective.

This incredibly diverse and nutrient-rich land offers some of the best coffees that the world has to offer. In addition to this, producers like Olinka Velez, Pepe Jijon, Fabricio Pilco, and many others have been shaking up the coffee industry with their impeccable quality – becoming world-leading producers.

For another variety-focused guide, you can also read our article on Pink Bourbon coffee.

Our Relationship with Makicuna

Makicuna's coffee has become a seasonal feature in our coffee offerings.

If you're interested in working with us on a wholesale basis, or to feature some of Makicuna's coffees – follow this link and drop us a message!

Click here to check out more stories on our green coffee partners!

FAQ – Makicuna & Ecuadorian Coffee

Who are Makicuna?

Makicuna are a green coffee sourcing company who connect producers in Ecuador with roasters. They focus on full traceability of the product and direct trade relationships between producer and roaster.

Where does Makicuna source coffee from?

Makicuna now source from over 25 different coffee producers in Ecuador, primarily from the regions of Loja, Pichincha, and Imbabura, located along the Andes mountain range and around the Altiplano plateau corridor.

What makes Ecuadorian coffee unique?

Ecuador’s high altitude, cool year-round temperatures, 800km of mountains, and varied microclimates create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Coffees from Imbabura and Pichincha tend to show juicy, fruit-forward profiles similar to Colombian coffees, while coffees from Loja tend to be more floral, reminiscent of Ethiopian profiles.

Which varieties does Ecuador grow a lot of?

Ecuador grows a high proportion of Sidra, Gesha and Typica Mejorado, contributing to exceptional flavour quality and making the country stand out for its coffee potential.

How is Makicuna connected to Harmony Coffee?

Through an introduction from the Green Coffee Collective, Makicuna enabled us to source our very first masterpiece coffee – a Carbonic Macerated Natural Typica Mejorado from Olinka Velez – and their coffees have since become a seasonal feature in our coffee offerings.

Take your brewing game to the next level:

Espresso lovers can also find our guide on the Best Coffee Tampers here.

Filter coffee lovers can find our guide on the Best Pourover Filter Coffee Recipes here.

Find some of the best free tools to accompany your brews here.

Find your perfect coffee from Harmony's selection of coffee beans here.

Check out our guide on resting coffee to get the most out of your brews here.

Find the Best Coffee Scales here.

Learn about why RDT reduces static in coffee grinding here.

Does grinding fresh matter? Or is Pre-ground coffee ok?

To learn more about coffee varieties, check out our Coffee Varieties page.

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