Colombia - Piña Colada

Piña Colada in a Cup – Monteblanco, Colombia

From the high-altitude Monteblanco farm in Huila, Colombia, this Purple Caturra coffee is a true tropical delight, carefully cultivated at 1,730 meters above sea level. Producer Rodrigo Sánchez masterfully combines traditional farming techniques with innovative fermentation, creating a unique and vibrant sensory experience.

Located near Cueva de los Guácharos, one of Colombia’s protected national parks, Monteblanco benefits from a rich microclimate and fresh water from the Suaza River, providing the perfect conditions for cultivating exceptional specialty coffees.

The Process:

The journey of this exotic co-fermented coffee begins with selective handpicking, ensuring only the ripest Purple Caturra cherries are chosen. This variety is known for its higher sugar content (Brix level) compared to Red Caturra, intensifying its natural sweetness and complexity.

Before fermentation, Rodrigo carefully prepares a yeast mixture using lactobacillus, saccharomyces, and cerevisiae bacteria, combining 10 different strains to promote a precise and controlled fermentation. To enhance the coffee’s bright, tropical character, dried coconut and cholupa (a tart fruit commonly used in lemonade) are added to the mix, along with a sugar-rich feeding solution of molasses, panela, or granulated sugar.

The cherries are first fermented for 8 days in this fruit-infused mixture before undergoing a secondary fermentation for 180 hours (7.5 days). Once the fermentation process is complete, the coffee is washed in clean water and laid to dry on parabolic beds, with careful raking to ensure consistent and even drying over 25 to 30 days.

Tasting Notes:

An exotic and tropical coffee with pina colada-like creaminess, bright lemonade acidity, and deep rum and coconut undertones. Its silky body and rich complexity create an unforgettable cup, perfect for those who love innovative and fruit-forward specialty coffees.