Published On: July 13, 2021
Growing Conditions
Flavour Profile Of Colombian Coffee Beans
The Colombian Coffee Trade
How To Buy Colombian Coffee Beans
Final Notes
Â
Colombia’s reputation for producing high-quality arabica coffee beans is formidable.
This is partly thanks to the sheer volume the country has exported globally, as well as some incredibly effective branding by the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC), responsible for establishing the famous Juan Valdez trademark — an iconic symbol of Colombian coffee internationally.
Yet, while these are important aspects of the country’s coffee heritage, they don't convey why Colombian coffee beans are so special.
To understand the true value of coffee produced in this part of the world, you first need to consider the amazing environmental and climate conditions to be found here.
Vast tropical rainforests, stretching coastlines bounded by both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean sea; impressive mountainous altitudes; moderate cloud coverage and rainfall; high levels of humidity and more all contribute to an incredible aptitude for coffee production.
When you combine this with the fact that most of Colombian coffee is produced by highly committed small-hold farmers, each working within unique micro-climates, you start to get a sense of the country’s amazing tapestry of both high-quality production potential and extremely diverse yields — often managed and cared for in small batches.
So while the country does enjoy an enviable reputation for producing great coffee, the depth and diversity of its offerings, as well as the finer details of why each Colombian coffee crop is so good, are sometimes overlooked. Â
Â
Coffee is a sensitive crop that needs exactly the right conditions to thrive. This is even more important when we’re talking about arabica beans, which command a higher market price compared to other beans like robusta, but are much more sensitive to climate and environmental conditions.
To grow exceptional arabica coffee, you need a few important things that not many countries can offer. This includes a temperate or tropical climate with no frost; plenty of sunlight; and plenty of water. Fertile well-drained soil also helps, as does sufficient canopy for shade.Â
High altitudes are a crucial component, but more because of the conditions that higher-up locations offer in terms of temperature and rainfall than specific altitude preferences of the coffee tree.
A high-altitude crop will typically offer cooler temperatures that let cherries ripen more slowly, leading to more acidic and aromatic yields.
With these things in mind, Colombia is well placed to do what only a few other nations can, which is take the country’s natural gifts and combine this with the collective efforts of thousands of mostly small-hold farmers who are skilled at nurturing long-term coffee crops for the highest quality yields.
Coffee is a sensitive crop that needs exactly the right conditions to thrive.
Colombia is famous for its steep altitudes and flourishing rainforests offering both cooler tropical temperatures and plenty of shade
The country benefits from several water sources that flow from the Andes into the country’s drainage basins, including large ones in the Cauca, Magdalena, and Nariño Departments
The Colombian coffee industry is made up of thousands of small-hold farms that are capable of unleashing the full potential of each crop through careful management and human-led processes
Colombia has several coffee growing regions with many different climates that produce a diverse range of flavour profilesÂ
Ever Wondered How Single Origin Coffee Differs to Blends?
Colombia has over 20 different coffee growing regions. Differences in weather (rain and overall temperature), elevation, soil type and harvest method all contribute to distinct flavour profiles found in each.Â
|
The North Zone |
Santander, Norte de Santander, La Guajira, Magdalena, and Cesar. |
|
The Central Zone |
South of Antioquia, Boyacá, Caldas, ChocĂł, Risaralda, QuindĂo, North of Valle del Cauca, Cundinamarca, and North of Tolima. |
|
The South Zone |
Nariño, Cauca, and Huila. |
|
The Eastern Zone |
Arauca, Casanare, Meta, and Caquetá. |
Â
Learn Which Locations Are within the Colombian Coffee Triangle
It’s common for Colombian coffee beans to be handpicked, also known as “cherry picked”.
This involves experienced farmers selecting beans that are just the right amount of ripeness, preventing those that are too green or overly ripe from disturbing the overall quality of the batch.Â
While this isn't unique to Colombia, it’s a factor that helps to protect the existing quality of the beans here. The alternative — strip picking all cherries from a crop at once — is often performed by larger plantations that need to produce much higher volumes of coffee for the global market.Â
Colombian beans are usually wet-processed (where water is used to separate the pulp from the cherries before drying) or receive a “natural” process (where beans are left to dry in the sun before de-pulping).Â
The former method can lead to a cleaner product, with no input from the drying method. The latter, where the bean is in contact with the fruit of the coffee cherry throughout the drying process, can lead to the transfer of some of the taste characteristics of the fruit.
Neither method is superior but helps to add another level of diversity to the potential notes you’ll find when drinking Colombian coffee.
Cherry picking allows farmers to identify beans that are just the right amount of ripeness!
Due to some of the reasons mentioned, it’s impossible to define a bag of Colombian coffee beans as strictly having certain characteristics. However, when comparing flavour profiles and notes with beans produced in other parts of the world, we can see some important patterns that repeat with Colombian beans.Â
Moderate acidityÂ
Sweet, chocolatey flavoursÂ
Caramel sweetness with a nutty undertone
Fruity notes that can touch on apples, fruits and berries
Citrus aromas
Hints of spice
Colombian Arabica is often described to be well balanced and mild, with a medium body and cleanness.
Explore Our Full Range of Colombian Coffee Beans!Â
For many people in Colombia, coffee production is a family tradition. Passed down from generation to generation, the skills and knowledge needed to grow coffee are an integral part of people’s heritage and contributes in no small way to their sense of national identity.Â
Efforts made by the Coffee Growers Federation (The FederaciĂłn Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia) to protect the interests of farmers, understand threats to the sector and extend the collective interests of the industry have also strengthened the coffee trade in Colombia.Â
Today, this organisation represents the rights of around 540,000 farmers, many of whom operate incredibly small lots and plantations throughout the country’s several coffee regions.Â
By supporting this model of small-hold farmers vs large consolidated plantations, the largely human-led processes and rituals of coffee protection have been able to thrive for centuries.
So as much as growing conditions favour good coffee production here, the sense of individual pride and accountability for the quality of the beans produced on any one farm (with the average plot at around 5 acres in size) is just as important for producing specialty arabica beans.
While circumstances have supported the production of coffee in Colombia for centuries, the entire sector faces the same threats that all global coffee producers do when it comes to climate change.
With its ever-shifting patterns of temperature and rainfall, it has become harder to manage the conditions needed to grow specialty coffee.Â
With coffee being such a sensitive crop, even the smallest differences in climate can have a cascading effect on production.
With temperatures increasing in lower altitudes, some farmers have already been forced to go higher to elevations to sustain profitable arabica production for the global market.Â
Buying coffee that you’re likely to enjoy, rather than buying coffee just because it’s from a particular place, is always the best approach.
And while the country of origin can sometimes be a good initial indicator of quality, this isn’t enough to know that you’re getting a really good bag of coffee.
Below are a few tips for choosing Colombian coffee beans (or coffee from any coffee producing country for that matter).
Buy fresh - As coffee quality declines gradually after it's been roasted, try to buy coffee you know has been freshly roasted within 4-8 weeks of the time you purchase it. Supermarket coffees often don’t have a roast date and will instead have a “best before” date, which can sometimes be 12-24 months after the coffee has actually been roasted.Â
Buy traceable Colombian beans - The country of origin alone is generally far too vague a description of where your beans come from. When possible, buy coffee that comes from a distinct location from within that country. This could be a farm, region, or cooperative.Â
Pay a fair price - Expensive coffee doesn't always mean good coffee, however, producing high-quality arabica beans and then protecting it throughout its quite extensive journey from farm to shop (or cup) does cost money. Paying a little extra for beans grown on smaller farms can be a great way to enjoy specialty beans that have received extra care and attention.Â
Consider medium-to-light roasts - A great way to enjoy the amazing notes on offer from Colombian coffee farms is to look for medium or light roasts. These beans will tend to offer more of the natural qualities of the bean and nuance in both flavour and aroma.Â
Learn How Different Coffee Roasts Affect the Notes in Your Cup!Â
The “special” nature of Colombian coffee beans comes from several things working together, from the unique climate and growing conditions here, to the way beans are grown and harvested by farmers. And because of the sheer diversity of flavour profiles across the many coffee producing regions, there's no single way to describe coffee from this country.Â
What we would say though is that if you do actively choose coffee that comes from single and distinct locations within Colombia, and if you get your hands on beans that have been roasted quite recently before your purchase, you have a very good chance of getting some great quality beans.
Â
Explore the Diversity of Colombian Coffee Today!Â
Â
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, updates and news on our products and services. Join our community of coffee enthusiasts and stay up to date with the latest coffee trends, roasts and brewing techniques.
Journal
VIEW ALL
Upgrade your Morning with a Monthly Coffee Subscription
A coffee subscription is more than just a convenience—it's a way to simplify your daily routine and enhance your coffee experience. By automating your orders, you save time, ensure consistent quality, manage your budget better, and avoid decision fatigue.Â
READ MORE
Fully-Home Compostable vs. Home Compostable: What’s the Difference?
84% of households recycle incorrectly. The rules and guidelines may seem confusing, but we're here to take the first step. Today, we're breaking down the confusing world of coffee capsules...
READ MORE
Everything You Know About Cold Brew is Wrong - Here’s Why
You may order a cold brew for its reputation of giving a big kick of energy, you may order it because it's the it-coffee of the moment, but what makes it so different to an Americano? Spoiler alert - everything.
READ MORE
What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, chances are that you’ve come across the term specialty coffee at least once in the hunt for that perfect cup of coffee. But what truly makes it so special?
READ MORE
Hario V60 Dripper - Everything You Need to Know
Picture this: It's 2005 and a Japanese glassware-making company called Hario has just introduced a brewer that will revolutionise the coffee scene. Read on and find out all there is to know about the Hario V60 and it's fascinating history.Â
READ MORE
Pink Bourbon: a Colombian Specialty Coffee Like No Other
Pink Bourbon - Colombian specialty coffee's latest gem? Learn all about this dazzling new varietal, its unique rise to global recognition and what the future holds for it. And don't forget to try our very own Hermanos Pink Bourbon - La Aldea.
READ MORE
It's A Hermanos Christmas
From Christmas Market prep to festive coffee-roasting to the birth of new seasonal characters like Santa Santiago, it’s been a rollercoaster of a month - and we’re only halfway through. Come along for a ride through the Christmas rush at Hermanos.
READ MORE
Feliz Navidad - Introducing Hermanos Christmas Coffees
We’ve curated two limited edition coffee beans for you this Christmas - Santa Rita Honey and Finca Las Brisas. Take a deep dive into their backstories and find out why they make the perfect Christmas bean.
READ MORE
Stories from Colombia
From Colombia, with love. Follow along as we take you on a trip through the journeys of four Colombian speciality coffee farmers and their families. From seemingly insurmountable hardships to deaths within the family, these farmers have seen it all, done it all, and persevered through it all. And now they want to thank you - for the unwavering support you've shown their beans through the years.
READ MORE
Hermanos Coffee Pods
Crafted by Hermanos, compatible with Nespresso®. Our sustainable single origin pods are finally here! Available in three of our most loved beans, get ready for your very own specialty Colombian coffee experience at the push of a button.
READ MORE
All About Yellow Fruits
This coffee will blow your mind - in the best way possible. With inimitable notes of pineapple mango and manuka honey, one sip is all it takes to fall in love. Get ready for Yellow Fruits to whisk you off to a tropical paradise.
READ MORE
How is Decaf Coffee Made?
Can't handle caffeine? That's where decaf comes in! Learn all about popular decaffeination methods used in specialty coffee and which one we prefer to use for ours.
READ MORE
Light Roast vs. Medium Roast - Coffee Roasting Explained
READ MORE
A Coffee Varietal Guide
The 2 main species of coffee are arabic and robusta, where arabica is mainly used for specialty coffee. Within the arabica family there are different varietals, similar to different apple types (eg. Fuji, gala, granny smith), each varietal boasts distinct flavours and flourishes in different growing conditions. Let's explore the world of Colombian coffee varietals and its diverse tastes.
READ MORE
The Coffee Supply Chain - How Does It Work?
Whatever your connection is to the world of specialty coffee, we’re all at the mercy of the coffee supply chain. And knowing a little more about how it works (and the threats that it faces) can help you understand just how appreciative we should all be of great coffee when it’s available to us.
READ MORE
Colombian Coffee vs. African Coffee: What’s The Difference?
How does Colombian coffee compare to African coffee? We explore the main differences between the two, including roast, processing, and tasting notes.
READ MORE
Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters — The Brand Refresh
Over the past seven months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to hone our branding and enhance it to better convey our values and our mission.
READ MORE
Gender Equality In The Colombian Coffee Industry — An Introduction
The Colombian coffee industry is reliant on the work of women. Yet, women are often not recognised enough for this contribution..
READ MORE
Choosing A Chocolatey Coffee — Insider Tips
Coffee and chocolate are two of the most popular flavours out there. We’ll talk through the characteristics of chocolatey coffee and what's on offer at Hermanos.
READ MORE
The Colombian Coffee Federation — What Is It And Why Is It Important?
The Colombian coffee industry has an outstanding global reputation, and for good reason. To maintain this quality and put frameworks in place to protect the coffee growers, the Colombian Coffee Federation was created.
READ MORE
Can Coffee Farmers Stop Climate Change Killing Their Crops?
There are around 25 million smallholder coffee producers in the world and over 125 million people who rely on the sector. What can they do to save their crops?
READ MORE
What Are The Key Differences Between Colombian Coffee And Brazilian Coffee?
How similar is Colombian coffee to Brazilian coffee? Despite both countries being in South America and sitting in the coffee belt, they differ vastly from each other.
READ MORE
Colombian Coffee Facts — Everything You Need To Know
We’ve summarised 10 of the best Colombian coffee facts, which you can use to find out more about what makes coffee from Colombia so unique.
READ MORE
How Does Climate Change Affect Coffee Production?
While local adaptation and agricultural innovation is helping some to mitigate the effects of climate change, several studies carried out over the last decade predict we’re looking at a drop of up to 50% of total landmass suitable for coffee production by 2050.
READ MORE
Koji Fermented Coffee: Innovation in the Coffee Industry
We’re invigorated by experimental coffee processing techniques, which is why we're so excited about Koji, our new bean.
READ MORE
What Is Natural Coffee Processing And How Does It Impact Your Coffee?
We dive into the natural processing method, and see how it weighs up against the washed and honey processes.
READ MORE
Our Visit To Colombia: Meeting Coffee Farmers And Discovering New Coffee Beans
Last month we travelled through Colombia. Our aim was to visit as many coffee growers and farms as possible in just a few weeks. Here's what we learnt...
READ MORE
Coffee Freshness - Does Fresh Ground Coffee Taste Better?
We’ll walk you through why coffee freshness is so important, as well as some top tips on how to preserve the freshness of your coffee.
READ MORE
UK Coffee Subscriptions – Coffee Clubs, Bean Boxes and In-Shop Subscriptions Explained
The UK coffee subscription landscape is incredible. Many of the nation’s most established coffee roasters have doubled down on their online subscription models since the pandemic, while a huge number of new and digital-first brands have also entered the market.
READ MORE
Is it Better to Buy Coffee Beans or Ground?
The vast majority of supermarkets and specialty coffee roasters offer both whole beans and pre-ground coffee. But which is the better choice?
READ MORE
Coffee Flavours by Country: How Does Location Affect Flavour?
Factors ranging from climate and altitude to the way local farmers process their beans have an impact on flavour. We explore how coffee origins influence coffee profiles from different countries.
READ MORE
5 Reasons To Visit A Coffee Roastery
A coffee roastery is one of the most exciting places to be if you’re a coffee lover or interested in how the process works. However, there are still misconceptions about what a coffee roastery is and how it relates to the other parts of the global coffee supply chain.
READ MORE
The Beginner's Guide To Different Coffee Types
There are so many different types of coffee out there, from Espresso-based drinks to fancy pour overs like the Chemex and V60. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to different coffee types to make it easier for you.
READ MORE
What Is A Coffee Roaster? Wholesale, Subscriptions & Coffee Roasting Explained
The majority of coffee shops around the world buy their beans from a wholesale roasting company. But what is a coffee roaster? We explore!
READ MORE
Ground Coffee vs. Instant Coffee: What Are The Main Differences?
If you’re looking to brush up on your coffee knowledge or want to make the change from instant coffee to ground coffee, then you’re in the right place. In this post we explore the many differences between ground coffee and instant coffee, including the type of beans typically used for each, caffeine content, shelf life, taste, and the way these coffees are brewed.
READ MORE
Espresso Explained: What's The Difference Between Espresso And Filter Coffee?
What makes an espresso different to filter coffee? Many factors ranging from the size of the drink, the caffeine content, the taste, and even the aroma all play a part. But most importantly, these coffees differ due to the way they are made.
READ MORE
Coffee Tasting Guide – Top 10 FAQs Answered
There’s a strict protocol to follow if you are coffee cupping, but the general act of coffee tasting can take many forms. Here’s our coffee tasting guide for beginners.
READ MORE
Coffee Tasting Terms Explained — How To Taste Coffee Like A Professional
Whether you’ve got a coffee cupping session coming up, or you just want to learn how to appreciate your morning coffee more, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on your knowledge of coffee tasting terms.
READ MORE
A Visit from the Producers of El Vergel - What We Learnt
From challenges faced by climate change to why they choose to grow specialty coffee over commodity coffee, here’s what we learnt when we interviewed the Tolima-based producers of our popular El Vergel coffee.
READ MORE
Coffee Traceability: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
The desire for traceability in the specialty coffee industry is growing, with more interest than ever in where coffee comes from, who grows it, and how it gets from farm to cup.
READ MORE
The Cost of Coffee - Why Are Coffee Prices Rising?
The cost of a simple cup or bag of coffee is connected to so many of the world’s most critical issues, ranging from the climate crisis to the global pandemic. We explore what’s really behind the rise in coffee prices.
READ MORE
Natural? Washed? Honey? Coffee Processing Methods Explained
Although you don’t need to know the difference between natural, washed or honey processed coffees to enjoy them, cafes, roasters and specialty coffee retailers are increasingly using these terms as selling points for their beans.
READ MORE
How Does Altitude Affect Coffee: Colombian Coffee
Coffee beans grown at higher altitudes tend to produce coffees that are more complex, rich and distinct due to the cooler temperatures that extend the growth time of the coffee plant, adding more depth in flavour.
READ MORE
Specialty vs. Commodity Coffee: What's the Difference?
There's never been so much interest in specialty coffee as there is now. A growing number of coffee shops and roasters define themselves by their commitment to specialty coffee, and, in a way, their opposition to 'commodity coffee'.
READ MORE
Coffee Tasting Experiences - What to Expect During Your First Cupping Session
Anyone can taste coffee but 'cupping' refers to the standardised process of evaluating coffees used by the coffee industry. We explore what you need to know before your first tasting (or cupping) experience.
READ MORE
How Is Coffee Decaffeinated? - Decaf Coffee Beans
We shed light on what decaf is and how exactly coffee is decaffeinated using methods like the sugar cane decaf process so you can make a more informed decision when choosing your next bag of Colombian decaf coffee beans
READ MORE
What is a Colombian Coffee Cooperative & What's Their Impact?
While the coop system isn’t perfect, it’s played a crucial role in developing the Colombia's specialty coffee market and allowing smallholders to band together and promote the attractiveness of their beans. Learn more!Â
READ MORE
How to Buy Specialty Coffee Beans - A Beginner’s Guide
Learn how to start buying better specialty coffee with our beginner’s guide. We discuss roast dates, flavours (notes), supermarkets, descriptions on coffee packets, and provide a simple checklist for when you’re in a fix.
READ MORE
What is Arabica Coffee & Why the World Loves it
Arabica coffee beans offer a smoother, sweeter taste than Robusta. And despite being harder to grow, are widely considered to be the superior bean in the world of specialty coffee.
READ MORE
The Colombian Coffee Triangle - The Past and Future of Colombia’s Most Famous Coffee Producing Region
Nearly a third of Colombia’s coffee growing happens within the “Colombian Coffee Triangle” and its major cities are strongholds for a century-old tradition of coffee farming. Learn more.
READ MORE
