China Torch Estate Catimor House Espresso - Traditional Washed

China Torch Estate
Altitude: 1450 masl
Origin : Pu'er / Yunnan
Variety : Catimor
Process : Traditional Washed

Note : Oolong, Dates, Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut

About Torch Estate and the Coffee Industry in Yunnan, China

Located in the mountains of southwest China, Pu’er in Yunnan is known not only for tea, but also as a rising center for specialty coffee. Thanks to its high altitude, suitable climate, and rich biodiversity, Yunnan produces some of China’s highest-quality coffee.

In the past, however, the industry mainly focused on exporting raw coffee beans, leaving farmers with unstable incomes and little influence in the market.

Torch Coffee was created in response to these challenges. More than just a coffee brand, Torch promotes a “from crop to cup” approach that combines coffee farming, education, research, roasting, and sensory training. Through the Torch Coffee Lab in Pu’er, the company supports the development of China’s specialty coffee industry and helps Yunnan move from a raw-material producer to a centre of coffee culture and knowledge.

Torch Coffee is especially known for its focus on education and experience. As an accredited training centre for both SCA and CQI, it offers professional courses for baristas, roasters, and coffee tasters. Its estate programmes also allow visitors and students to learn directly from the farming and processing environment. One of its key projects, the “Yunnan Coffee Flavour Map,” uses scientific research to identify and explain the flavour profiles of coffees from different regions in Yunnan.

The company was co-founded by Marty Pollack, an American coffee educator who has worked in China for many years. He believes sustainability should be based on collaboration and shared knowledge rather than simple trade. Torch works closely with farmers to improve processing methods, establish quality standards, and create fairer value-sharing systems.

Torch has launched several important initiatives, including:

1. The “Mountain People Project,” connecting farmers directly with baristas and consumers to improve income transparency and coffee quality;
2. The “Yunnan Coffee Flavour Map,” which promotes international understanding of Yunnan coffee;
3. Origin education programmes that bring global coffee certification and training standards to Yunnan.

Torch Coffee reflects a larger transformation happening across the Yunnan coffee industry. Regions such as Pu’er, Baoshan, Lincang, and Dehong are increasingly adopting sustainable farming and innovative processing methods. Farmers, roasters, and entrepreneurs now work more closely together, creating a coffee industry based on transparency, cooperation, and quality rather than simple mass exportation.

Today, Yunnan coffee represents more than agriculture alone. It has become a bridge connecting rural communities, education, culture, and consumers. Through training, storytelling, and direct trade, the industry is helping farmers gain greater knowledge, recognition, and economic opportunities while promoting a more sustainable and people-focused future for Chinese specialty coffee.

We recommend resting our coffees for at least 10 days up to 2 months  for the best results.