In our previous article, we reviewed the history of Colombian coffee. We learned that coffee has been in the country for almost 300 years and that it has become the specialty of this magical country. Colombians have a massive commitment to growing the best coffee in the world and have developed special technology to lead the world’s coffee industry. However, Colombia is a large country with different climatic zones that give distinct characteristics to each variety of coffee, therefore not all Colombian coffees will be of the same quality. Read on to learn what you should consider while choosing a good Colombian Coffee.
Choose Your Perfect Colombian Coffee by Region
First, you need to know that coffee is cultivated in 22 of the 32 departments of Colombia. Although there are specific conditions to produce Arabica coffee (the variety planted in Colombia), skilled coffee growers have been able to grow quality coffee in higher altitudes and with different rainfall frequencies thanks to their expertise.
The best coffee can be a subjective category since it depends on your preference and the way you like to drink it. With this in mind, let’s dive into the characteristics of the three departments that produce the most coffee: Huila, Antioquia, and Tolima.
Huila is located in the Southwest of the country. This region is characterized by highly fertile soils and high cloud cover. It is the department that produces the most coffee beans per year, cultivating almost 20% of the coffee in the entire country. The coffee from this department has sweet and wine-like notes, with a caramel and fruity aroma and medium-high acidity.
Antioquia is located in the Central Northwestern part of Colombia; its capital is Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia and home to the most strategic businessmen and the hardest working growers in the coffee industry. Those of which were the inspiration behind the beloved character Juan Valdez. It is characterized by being a mountainous department, with a mild climate and varied vegetation. Its coffee has citric and sweet flavor notes with a fruity aroma.
Tolima is located in the Center-Western region of the country. There are approximately 65,000 coffee-growing families in this department, 96.8% of which are small producers. It is a department with warmer temperatures, high humidity, and abundant water sources. Its coffee is particularly smooth, with citric, sweet, and fruity flavor notes and high acidity.
Best Colombian Coffee Brands
As for coffee brands, there is one for every taste. We will guide you through some of the most famous and preferred coffee brands both in Colombia and abroad.
Volcanica Supremo Colombian Coffee is the go-to brand for coffee lovers outside of Colombia. It is Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified and is grown in volcanic ash. This coffee has chocolate, caramel, and orange flavor notes with a nutty aroma. It’s perfect for those who enjoy smooth coffee as it has a mellow body enhanced by a medium roast.
Café Insignia by Amor Perfecto has become a favorite in Colombia because it combines high quality and excellent prices perfectly. It comes from the south of the country where there’s an abundance of volcanic soils. Café Insignia has citric and fruity flavors with a creamy body and it’s complemented by a chocolate aroma and a sweetness that reminds us of panela and honey.
The emblematic Juan Valdez coffee is a must. Its line of organic Gourmet Selection coffee demonstrates why Juan Valdez is the leading brand in the Colombian coffee industry. Its cultivation is carried out within the framework of environmental care in order to guarantee sustainable agriculture. It has notes of moringa tea and roasted nut flavor with a robust body. In addition, it is highly appreciated because it comes in various presentations: 283g in a fine grind, 500g in whole beans so you can grind it at home or 500g of already ground beans in three different types of grinds: fine, medium, or coarse.
When you drink your first cup of Colombian coffee, you will perfectly understand its reputation. Although Colombian coffee beans are famous for their smoothness, the variety of soils and climates allow them to offer a complexity of flavors, aromas, and textures. You’ll surely be able to find Colombian coffee of the highest quality abroad, but the best way to enjoy a complete sensory experience is by visiting a coffee farm in the beautiful department of Antioquia.
You can learn how your favorite coffee is cultivated during our exclusive Coffee Tour. Thanks to our equatorial climate, coffee beans are grown all year round, so you can enjoy an unforgettable coffee experience any time of the year.
