The Tuqueque Chronicles: A Hero in the Shadows
In the heart of Mariño, Aragua, where the Venezuelan sun lit the grounds of Hacienda Santa José, there lived a most peculiar guardian. Neither man nor beast, but a common tropical house gecko—or "tuqueque". This was no ordinary tuqueque; his name was Henry, and he was a hero of silent valor, a dragon without fire but armed with a tongue swift as a blade and a heart steadfast as steel.
By day, Henry rested in the cool shadows of the hacienda’s stone walls, his translucent skin blending into the sunlit patterns of the stucco. But as twilight fell and the air grew heavy with the whispers of night, Henry emerged. For while the world slumbered, he was charged with a noble quest: to defend the peaceful dreams of the hacienda’s inhabitants from the legions of winged intruders—mosquitoes, moths, and all manner of buzzing menaces.
“To guard the dreams of the weary is a duty as sacred as tending the soil,” Henry would muse, his voice a silent vow carried on the wind. With his sticky feet defying gravity, he scaled the walls and ceilings, his movements swift and precise. He was a phantom in the night, a vigilant shadow, whose presence was felt but rarely seen.
Yet even the most valiant of knights requires a source of strength, a fountain from which to draw their courage. For Henry, this lifeblood came not from the waters of the hacienda’s stream but from the rich, dark brew known as “Goatsucka”. Crafted from the finest beans of Hacienda Santa José, this coffee was as bold as the tuqueque himself, a nectar that awakened the spirit and the mind. It was said that a single sip could grant one the clarity of the stars and the endurance of the Andean condor.
On nights when the moon hung low and the chirp of crickets swelled like an orchestra, Henry would perch upon the rim of a porcelain cup, his tiny claws tapping the edge in anticipation. The aroma of freshly brewed Goatsucka filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the hacienda. With a flick of his tongue, Henry tasted the elixir, his eyes gleaming with renewed vigor. “This,” he whispered to the darkness, “is the fuel of legends.”
But Henry’s tale was not one of mere routine. One fateful night, as the winds howled through the valley and the stars hid behind a veil of clouds, an ominous hum arose. A swarm of zancudos, larger and more ferocious than any Henry had ever faced, descended upon the hacienda. Their wings beat like war drums, their proboscises gleaming like spears. They sought to breach the sanctuary of Santa José, to disrupt the dreams of its people and feast upon their peace.
Henry stood atop the rafters of the grand hall, his silhouette cast against the dim glow of an oil lamp. “Not tonight,” he declared, his voice a silent roar. “Not while I draw breath.”
With a leap that defied the bounds of nature, he launched himself into the fray. His tongue, swift as lightning, struck down the invaders one by one. The battle raged across walls and ceilings, through corridors and chambers. Henry’s movements were a dance of defiance, his every strike a testament to his unwavering resolve.
But the swarm was relentless, their numbers vast. As dawn approached and Henry’s strength waned, he turned to his trusted ally: a final drop of Goatsucka, waiting in its porcelain chalice. With a daring dive, he reached the cup, his tongue tasting the essence of the hacienda’s heart. Energy coursed through his tiny frame, and with a renewed cry, he surged back into battle.
By the time the first light of day graced the horizon, the swarm had been vanquished. The hacienda stood serene once more, its people unaware of the peril that had passed. Henry, weary but triumphant, retreated to his resting place, his heart filled with quiet pride. He was no knight seeking glory, no hero demanding accolades. His reward lay in the tranquility of the dawn, the knowledge that he had fulfilled his duty.
Word of Henry's deeds spread among the inhabitants of Hacienda Santa José, whispered in hushed tones and celebrated in cups of Goatsucka. To the children, he was a mythical guardian, a dragon of the walls; to the elders, he was a symbol of perseverance and humility. And though few ever saw him, all felt his presence, a silent protector in the shadows.
And so, as you sip your cup of Goatsucka, let the tale of Henry, the fearless tuqueque, inspire you. For in every drop of this bold brew lies the spirit of a guardian, a reminder that courage knows no bounds, and that even in the quietest corners of the world, heroes are born.

Venezuela. Mariño, Aragua
Producer: Evelin Escalona
Hacienda: Hacienda San José
Variety: Red Bourbon
Altitude: 1000 mts
Process: Washed
Harvest: Manual Picking
Period: November – February
Shadow: 25%
Fertilizer: 100% organic (Worm Castings, Tricobiol, Nemabiol, Biomix)
Brew Type: Omni
Roasted by: Olisipo Coffee Roasters LDA
Experience the delightful aroma of hazelnut and chocolate with a hint of citrus in this exquisite single-origin coffee. Each sip offers a smooth and balanced flavor profile. Expertly roasted by our partners at Olisipo Coffee Roasters, this omni roast is versatile and perfect for any brewing method, sure to delight your palate.
RED BOURBON
A distinguished Arabica coffee variety, has a storied history that begins on Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon Island) in the Indian Ocean. Introduced by French missionaries, it is renowned for its rich sweetness, balanced acidity, and complex flavor profile. The deep red cherries of Red Bourbon are a hallmark of its exceptional quality, making it a favorite among specialty coffee producers and connoisseurs alike. Its versatility and depth of flavor continue to define its legacy in the world of coffee cultivation.
WASHED PROCESS
The washed process, also known as the wet process, involves removing the fruit from the coffee bean before fermentation. The beans are soaked in water to loosen the pulp, then fermented to break down any remaining mucilage. After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed to remove all residues, resulting in a clean and bright flavor profile that highlights the coffee's inherent characteristics.
MARIÑO, ARAGUA
HACIENDA SAN JOSÉ
San José, nestled in the mountains of Aragua, Venezuela at 1,200 masl, enjoys a unique microclimate perfect for cultivating the Yellow Catuai and Red Bourbon coffee varietals.
In this exceptional setting, perched high above the Venezuelan coast near the Caribbean Sea, Evelin’s coffee is a true expression of the land—offering a rich, balanced blend of flavors that results in a delicate and sophisticated cup.
We are thrilled to have her coffee available. This rare and limited offering is a true reflection of the once-a-year Venezuelan coffee harvest.




LAND OF GRACE
venezuela
Venezuela, not just famous for its stunning landscapes but also for its kickass specialty coffee. The country's diverse microclimates and high-altitude regions create the perfect conditions for growing top-notch coffee beans.
From the lush mountains to the bustling cities, Venezuelan coffee is a journey in a cup – rich and full-bodied that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

PLAYLIST
TUKEKE
Groove to tropical merengue beats while savoring Tukeke flavor.