Via Volcán Coffee
While traveling and living in Latin America for his government job, Chris McCausland met his wife, Janina, and stepson, Hector, in Panama 27 years ago. It was through them that he discovered the world-renowned coffee growing region around the Baru Volcano near Panama’s border with Coasta Rica — and his love for coffee grew into a fascination.
With the help of his wife’s family, McCausland began to search for a coffee farm of their own and by 2000 and the birth of three daughters later, they had purchased and fully planted a farm and began to produce coffee.
It was important for them that the farm was run with the environment in mind. "The farm was half virgin rain forest when we bought it and we have not cut down a single tree. So we continue to see bird watchers and wildlife researchers wander through the farm to observe exotic birds, monkeys, and even the occasional mountain lion." McCausland said.
For 20 years, they sold their coffee to large exporters in Panama. The farm has been managed by their foreman, Eloy Gonzalez, since 2007.
After moving around from South America to Mexico to Key West for work, the family finally settled in Alexandria, Virginia. It was then that they realized their dream of importing cases of their coffee beans to the United States and roasting them. They have become a regular fixture at Cleveland Park Farmers Market in DC and have sold their beans all over the country through an online store.
Image from Via Volcán Coffee Instagram
Their business, which they have named Via Volcán Coffee, sells two varietals of specialty grade arabica coffees grown on their farm — Caturra and Geisha.
“Caturra is a pleasantly mild and flavorful variety of arabica. It has a vibrant acidity, medium body and is notable for its citrus and fruity tones and hints of cocoa.” McCausland said.
“Panama Geisha, one of the most highly rated coffee varietals in the world, is a light bodied coffee with a complex, delicate flavor profile, floral aroma, and notes of citrus, honey, and jasmine.”
This year, with their kids finally grown up and out of the house, the McCauslands realized it was the perfect time to open a brick and mortar store. They picked Old Town Alexandria for the store’s location because they enjoy walking around the city and trying the many restaurants here.
Although the global pandemic slowed them down, the McCauslands finally opened their store this month at 110 S. West St. (the former location of VIP Pet). They are excited to share their passion for coffee in a physical space.
Via Volcán Coffee
“Visitors to Via Volcán who love great coffee will feel at home. Stop by for a cup of hot Caturra or Geisha, an iced coffee or a bag of freshly roasted beans! We'll be glad to chat as much as you like about our coffee, the production process, roasting, grinding and brewing. It's uncomplicated, it's fresh and it's delicious!” McCausland said.
Right now, there is a table and counter where visitors can enjoy their coffee and McCausland hopes they will be able to put a table or two outside with a heater in the next few weeks. Post-COVID-19 he hopes that they will be able to offer additional seating, coffee tasting events and maybe even coffee roasting classes.
Find out more about Via Volcán at https://www.viavolcan.com/
