Colombia Huila Pitalito Carlos Fernando Red Bourbon Natural

There was a time not so long ago when you couldn't get a natural coffee from Colombia and most of the coffee was washed with a similar flavor profile. I found most coffee from Colombia in my early coffee days kinda boring. In recent times Colombia has produced what I think are some of the most interesting coffees out there. 

FLAVOR: Blueberry, bubblegum, chili powder, winey, intense, consistent

GEOGRAPHY: Filo Chillurco, Pitalito, Huila, Colombia

ALTITUDE: 1780 masl

GROWER:  Carlos Fernando Cerquera | Finca La Esperanza

VARIETY: Red Bourbon

PROCESSING: Full natural and dried on raised beds

HARVEST TIME: October - December

SOURCE

Coffee cultivation from small family owned farms is the backbone of production in Colombia. Banexport, a Colombian export company, works directly with many of these producers who have a shared commitment for exquisite coffee processing, and loving care for their farms and the environment. Banexport helps producers gain access to technical support regarding best practices for farm management, processing the harvest, and cupping feedback, which helps producers improve the quality of their coffee. The model of collaborative effort produces traceable lots with vibrant regional profiles. This lot comes from an individual producer named Carlos Fernando Cerqueira, who has a 7-acre farm called La Esperanza located in the municipality of Pitolito within the department of Huila.

Processing Details

With guidance from Banexport, Carlos follows a strict post-harvest protocol using his own micro-mill, which allows for consistent processing. Carlos focuses on selective picking, then floats the cherries to remove damaged and underdeveloped beans. Next, he takes the added step of macerating the cherry for 48 hours in sealed tanks before moving the cherries to raised beds to dry to 11 percent moisture over a period of 30 days.

Producer Details

Carlos started in coffee with roasting and learning to cup. His skills have taken him to the top of the profession. He represented Colombia in the Cup Tasters 2021 Championships where he placed 6th in the world. He continues to use these skills to improve his own production and help other young farmers learn to expertly taste their own coffee with the goal of improving the quality.

Exporting Details

After processing, Banexport provides crucial logistical support for things like warehousing and milling coffee for export to the international market, which provides better income for Carlos to reinvest in his farm and strengthen his family's livelihood.