“Mejor del Cauca,” meaning “Best of Cauca,” has made its way from Colombia to Mighty Oak Roasters in Astoria, Queens.

Earlier this year, Sean Donnelly, co-owner of Mighty Oak Roasters, traveled to Colombia to serve as a judge in the prestigious “Mejor del Cauca” competition. The annual event showcases some of the finest coffees grown by smallholder farmers throughout the Cauca region, one of Colombia’s premier coffee-producing areas.

It was there that Sean first tasted Victor Manuel Mosquera Morera’s coffee. Among approximately 250 coffees evaluated during the competition, Victor’s earned third place in the competition and left a lasting impression. Of all the coffees Sean encountered, “Tasting Victor’s coffee in Colombia was unforgettable” he recalls. “It stood out immediately…there was something special about the balance, the sweetness, and the care that went into every cup,” said Donnelly.

Victor works alongside his family on their farm in the breathtaking scenic mountains of Cauca. Their farm is truly family-run, with every step of production handled together. Their approach makes the coffee especially meaningful, crafted with care, tradition, and artisanal attention to quality. Victor’s guiding philosophy is simple: “Simplemente gracias Dios por todo,” translated as, “Simply thank God for everything.”

For Donnelly, bringing Victor’s coffee to New York City became a mission as Mighty Oak Roasters serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor of Victor’s award-winning beans, offering Astoria residents the opportunity to experience a coffee born from generations of family tradition.

The Cauca region has earned worldwide recognition for producing coffees with distinctive flavor profiles. Coffee enthusiasts often note bright strawberry acidity, nougat-like sweetness, chocolate undertones, and floral aromas that create a layered and memorable cup.

At Mighty Oak Roasters, those flavors are carefully preserved through a roasting process designed to highlight the coffee’s natural complexity while remaining approachable for everyday drinkers. In addition to Victor’s limited offering, Mighty Oak also features a rotating selection of seasonal blends and its signature lineup of beans sourced from around the world.

For Donnelly and the Mighty Oak team, the coffee represents more than just a beverage. It is a direct connection between a family farm in Colombia and a neighborhood coffee shop in Astoria.

Residents can experience Victor Morera’s Coffee at Mighty Oak Roasters at 28-01 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102, or enjoy it from home with delivery available here.