COLOMBIA HUILA EXCELSO

Colombia is one of the world’s most important coffee-producing countries, shaped by the three Andean mountain ranges that divide the nation into distinct growing regions. Huila, in the south, is known for producing consistently high-quality washed coffees with balanced acidity and sweetness.

Historically dominated by Typica, Colombian farms began planting Caturra in the 1970s due to its higher productivity and compact growth. Following widespread outbreaks of coffee leaf rust in 2009, further rust-resistant varieties such as Colombia and Castillo were introduced. Today, careful milling, blending, and quality control ensure consistency across harvests, allowing Colombia to supply fresh coffee year-round.

Fully washed process:

• Hand-picked ripe cherries
• Initial flotation to remove underripe fruit and debris
• Pulping followed by fermentation for 8–14 hours
• Washing and controlled drying on patios or in guardiolas
• Dry milling and grading prior to export
  
  This process results in a clean, balanced cup with gentle acidity and chocolate-led sweetness.
  
  

Coffee production in Colombia is dominated by smallholder farmers, with much of the processing carried out at farm level. In Huila, producers rely on traditional washed methods alongside careful drying and grading to maintain quality and consistency. Ongoing improvements in varietal selection and farm practices have helped Colombian coffee recover following outbreaks of coffee leaf rust, ensuring long-term resilience and stable livelihoods.