a sip of sunshine: a Java journey into the world of Colombian coffee
In the lush landscapes of Colombia, with emerald-green coffee plantations stretching as far as the eye can see, come coffees celebrated worldwide for rich flavours and enchanting aromas — and it all has a history as vibrant and diverse as the country itself.
The tale of Colombian coffee dates back centuries, legend has it that it was introduced by Jesuit priests in the 16th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that coffee production took root, creating an industry that would make it a powerhouse producer.
Colombia's secret is a cool combo of both geography and climate. Its ‘coffee belt’, a region between the Andes mountains, provides the perfect conditions for cultivating Arabica beans—the Rolls Royce of coffee beans. Its marriage of altitude, rainfall, and temperature creates an environment where the beans can develop their very distinctive and sought-after flavours.
Colombian coffee boasts a dazzling array of beans, each with its own personality and flavour profile, and is founded around three main varieties, Typica, Bourbon, and Castillo.
Typica, loved for its balanced acidity and medium body, is a ‘classic’ favourite, it has something for everyone! Bourbon, on the other hand, brings a unique sweetness and a touch of floral notes to every cup, super sophisticated, and a little different. Lastly, your, Castillo, a relatively recent addition to the Colombian coffee scene, is praised for a more robust flavour, and is a very hardy bean, making it popular with producers, looking fore reliable yields with maximum quality.
Not only is Columbian coffee amazing tasting, the commitment to quality is so ingrained in the nation’s coffee consciousness, that the beans are often sorted multiple times to guarantee a consistently superior product. People after pour own hearts indeed!
Colombia is a country of diverse landscapes and microclimates, and this diversity is mirrored in its coffee producing regions. Each region imparts its own distinct characteristics to the beans it produces. The coffee triangle, encompassing the regions of Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda, is renowned for its well-balanced and smooth coffees.
Meanwhile, Huila, located in the south of the country, produces beans with a delightful combination of fruity and floral notes.
The high-altitude regions of Nariño contribute beans with a bright acidity and a wine-like complexity.
At OHCO, when were blending of Colombian coffee, we totally love the journey through these diverse landscapes, there’s a real distinction in these unique ‘terroirs’ that sets the country’s coffee apart.
“Columbian beans' inherent sweetness, often reminiscent of caramel or chocolate, is accompanied by a lively acidity that adds a refreshing brightness to each sip” says OHCO’s Paul. “The medium body of a Colombian coffee ensures a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel, making it a perfect companion for any time of day.
“Whether you enjoy it black, with a splash of milk, or brewed into a velvety espresso, Colombian coffee adapts to your preferences, offering a delightful experience with every sip. So, the next time you find yourself craving a coffee that transcends the ordinary, consider a trip to the slopes of the Colombian mountains, it never disappoints.”
All this comes to fruity fruition in our OHCO Colombia Excelso blend. 100 percent organic, it’s a real all day-er you’ll never tire of, there’s walnut, chocolate, vanilla in there and those medium-bodies overtones get bigger with a splash of milk. Also super successful in a flat white, making it practically a hot-chocolate. Sweet! (Literally ;-) )
“When we’re blending Colombian coffee, we totally love the journey through these diverse landscapes”
Find out more about our Dark & Delicious Colombia Excelso
