Colombia - Small Producers of Ibague

This coffee comes from around seven smallholder farms that are situated near the towns of China Alta, Santa Isabel and Cajamarca, which are near the municipality of Ibagué in the Colombian state of Tolima. These villages are located on steep mountains to the north-east of Ibagué, which creep up fast, going from 1,300 meters above sea level to 2,000 meters in a matter of 30-40 kms. Due to the steep terrain and bumpy back road that is required to get there, they take around three hours to access via car.

The farms that contributed to this lot are small – around three hectares in size – and are located at 1,850m above sea level. They farm traditionally, and grow a mix of Caturra, Castillo and Colombia coffee varieties. Fertilisation occurs around three times a year, usually after manual weeding, and pesticides are rarely used. The coffee is selectively hand harvested, with most labour being provided by the farmers and their families.

HOW THIS COFFEE WAS PROCESSED

This coffee was processed using the washed method at each farm’s ‘micro-beneficio’ (mill). The coffee was pulped using a small manual or electric pulper, and then placed into a fermentation tank, where it was fermented anywhere from 12 to 48 hours (depending on the weather and the farms location) and then washed using cold, clean water.

It was then carefully dried (over 10–18 days) on parabolic beds, which are constructed a bit like a ‘hoop house’ greenhouse, that act to protect the coffee from the rain and prevent condensation dripping back onto the drying beans. These beds have adjustable walls to help with air flow, and temperature control to ensure the coffee can dry slowly and evenly. Once dry, the coffee was delivered to Pergamino’s warehouse, where it was cupped and graded, and then rested in parchment until it was ready for export.

Expected Tasting Notes 

Sweet aroma like red bean and chocolate
Flavour of red apple, stone fruit and lemon curd
Sweetness of raisin and caramel 
Lingering chocolate sweetness on aftertaste