Bolivia’s Takesi Coffee Estate: High-Altitude Excellence

If you’ve ever wondered which Bolivian coffee estate produced one of the highest-scoring coffees in Cup of Excellence history, the answer lies high in the Andes. In 2009, a smallholder group from the Takesi region stunned judges and buyers alike—not just with flavor, but with an unheard-of auction price for the country. This is the story of how elevation, water, and respect for nature combined to create a legendary coffee.

In short: The Takesi coffee estate, nicknamed 'Takesi Snow Vein Estate' for its use of glacial meltwater in processing, scored 93.36 at the 2009 Cup of Excellence—Bolivia’s highest ever—and sold for $35.05 per pound at auction, the highest bid of any CoE country that year.

What Makes Takesi Estate Unique?

The Takesi estate, managed by Agrotakesi SA, grows coffee at high altitudes where the environment is cool, unpolluted, and rich in volcanic soils that drain exceptionally well. The farm uses only glacial meltwater—both for drinking and for post-harvest processing—which contributes to the clean, bright profiles for which its coffees are known. The nickname ‘Takesi Snow Vein Estate’ reflects this key natural input.

A Legacy of Excellence: Bolivia’s Cup of Excellence History

Bolivia’s presence in international specialty coffee competitions dates back to the late 2000s. In 2007, the Coffee Flower estate took top honors, but was surpassed in 2008 by Café de Cordillera, which scored 92.03. Then in 2009, Takesi elevated the bar further, earning a remarkable 93.36 score and becoming the highest-rated CoE coffee that year. Its auction price of $35.05 per pound remains the highest recorded for any Bolivian coffee in the competition’s history. European roasters, including a Hong Kong-based buyer (later associated with FrontStreet Coffee), acquired the winning lots for three consecutive years, captivated by its floral delicacy, sweet vanilla notes, and clean, layered complexity.

The Rise of Bolivian Coffee

Commercial coffee production in Bolivia began in earnest only in the early 1950s. Prior to that, coffee was often planted decoratively as hedgerows. The 1957 frost in Brazil disrupted global supply chains and opened opportunities for Bolivian growers. Though most Bolivian coffee was historically cultivated at relatively low elevations between 180–670 meters and featured washed Arabica beans exported to Germany and Sweden, those early exports were considered bitter and unremarkable by modern specialty standards. The emergence of estates like Takesi in higher, cooler zones marked a turning point toward quality-driven production.

Who Owns Takesi and How Do They Farm?

Agrotakesi SA, the group behind Takesi estate, is led by wealthy landowners who emphasize sustainability and coexistence with nature. Unlike many agribusinesses, they avoid over-farming, maintain extensive tracts of primary forest, and preserve diverse ecosystems. Their agricultural portfolio isn’t limited to coffee—they also grow apples, orchids, and flowers. Their respect for the land is mirrored in their coffee processing methods, which rely entirely on pure alpine water, contributing to the estate’s outstanding cup quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Takesi coffee estate?

The Takesi coffee estate is a high-altitude coffee farm in Bolivia, known for producing award-winning lots using glacial meltwater in processing and growing coffee in nutrient-rich volcanic soils. It is managed by Agrotakesi SA.

What score did Takesi coffee achieve at Cup of Excellence?

Takesi coffee scored 93.36 at the 2009 Cup of Excellence, which remains Bolivia’s highest CoE score to date.

How much did Takesi coffee sell for at auction?

The 2009 Takesi coffee lot sold for $35.05 per pound at the Cup of Excellence auction, the highest price achieved by any Bolivian coffee in the competition’s history.

What makes Takesi coffee different from other Bolivian coffees?

Takesi coffee is distinct due to its high-altitude cultivation, use of glacial water for processing, volcanic soil, and meticulous farming practices. These factors contribute to its complex, clean, and sweet flavor profile, unlike earlier lower-altitude Bolivian coffees which were more bitter.

Where is the Takesi estate located?

The Takesi estate is located in the Bolivian Andes, though the exact municipality is not specified in the source. It is part of the broader Bolivian highlands where elevations reach optimal ranges for specialty coffee.

Who owns Agrotakesi SA?

Agrotakesi SA is owned by a wealthy Bolivian group committed to sustainable and respectful farming practices, preserving forests and biodiversity while producing coffee, apples, flowers, and orchids.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from High-Altitude Bolivia

For fans of the Takesi estate’s bright, clean profile, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Bolivia Organic Washed. It offers citrusy brightness, almond sweetness, and a silky body—traits shared by high-mountain Bolivian lots. Also consider our single-origin selections from similar altitude-driven regions that emphasize clarity and balance. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.