2024 Colombia Trip Report
Our annual autumn trip to Colombia remains one of the highlights of the year, and 2024 was no exception. This trip centers around the “Lo Mejor de Monserrate” microlot competition, a cornerstone of our partnerships in Huila. The main harvest in this region is typically in full swing, making early October the ideal time to cup outstanding coffees, visit farms, and witness harvesting and processing in action.
This year, logistical challenges led to a modified itinerary, but it also opened new opportunities to explore different areas and deepen our understanding of Colombia’s coffee landscape. Our 10-day journey took us to Acevedo, Timaná, Neiva, Bogotá, Cartagena, and Medellín, covering significant ground and yielding invaluable insights.
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Acevedo: Finca Las Flores
Our first stop was Acevedo, where we visited Finca Las Flores, a standout farm owned by Johan Vergara and his family. The farm spans 12 hectares and boasts an impressive array of varieties, including Java, Pacamara, Tabi, Pink Bourbon, Chiroso, Caturra, and Catimor. Despite a challenging season marked by drought, the plants were remarkably healthy, thanks to the farm’s wide spacing and moisture-retentive clay soil.
One highlight of our visit was Johan’s innovative approach to coffee processing. His setup includes a Biomaster300—a cutting-edge bioreactor that allows precise control over fermentation variables. Johan demonstrated how this technology enables consistent results, storing up to 200 fermentation curves for repeatability. We cupped nine samples on-site, including a Sidra Bourbon that was wild, complex, and memorable, affirming Johan’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to repeat incredibly unique flavor profiles.
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Timaná: ASPROTimaná
Next, we traveled to Timaná to reconnect with our long-term partners at ASPROTimaná, a cooperative of 850 producers established in 2001. Under the leadership of Robinson Figueroa, ASPROTimaná continues to set the standard for quality and organization. Their warehouse and receiving station were immaculate, and the cooperative’s commitment to tracking and analyzing each grower’s coffee quality was evident.
During our visit, we cupped a wide range of coffees, showcasing the diversity of coffees from the region. Robinson also shared updates on exciting projects, including a planned milling area for microlots and a certified cupping lab. Another highlight was learning about their youth program, which trains children ages 7 to 18 in cupping, quality control, and barista skills. Initiatives like these ensure the cooperative’s sustainability for generations to come.
Our time in Timaná also included a visit to the central plaza to see the magnificent La Ceiba tree. This ancient, towering tree is an enduring symbol of the town and serves as the namesake for Atlas’ traceable coffee, "La Ceiba." The tree’s deep roots and sprawling canopy represent the strength and resilience of the local coffee-growing community.
A visit to the Orozco family’s Finca La Palma added a personal touch to our time in Timaná. The Orozco family’s young daughters proudly introduced their farm in English, showcasing their enthusiasm and commitment. Their brother, only in his early twenties, manages the farm with remarkable dedication and a clear sense of responsibility for the family’s success. Together, their efforts highlight the intergenerational commitment to sustaining and growing the family’s coffee legacy.
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Neiva: “Lo Mejor de Monserrate”
Since 2008, Atlas has returned to Colombia to celebrate the “Lo Mejor de Monserrate” microlot competition, traditionally held in the town of Monserrate or nearby La Plata. Due to ongoing security challenges in the department of Huila, the 2024 competition was held in the city of Neiva. The event provided a space to celebrate the exceptional work of Monserrate’s producers while navigating the complexities of organizing a large-scale competition away from its traditional home. Despite these hurdles, the event was a resounding success, emphasizing the resilience and commitment of the Monserrate community.
The competition drew submissions from across Monserrate, with 90 samples cupped over two days. Producers showcased a remarkable range of profiles, reflecting the diverse microclimates and meticulous practices in the region. Initial technical issues with a faulty grinder resulted in lower-than-usual scores which were quickly addressed through recupping. This adjustment revealed the true quality of the submissions, with the top coffees demonstrating exceptional balance, complexity, and vibrant flavors.
An important element of “Lo Mejor de Monserrate” is the opportunity for producers and buyers to interact directly. Many producers traveled several hours to Neiva to attend the event, underscoring their dedication to fostering strong relationships with roasters.
The awards ceremony was a celebration of hard work and community spirit. Sophia from Atlas joined in presenting awards to the top producers, whose coffees exemplified Monserrate’s commitment to quality. The recognition was met with pride and excitement, reinforcing the value of these competitions as both a motivator for excellence and a platform for celebrating producers.
Beyond the awards, the competition fosters long-term benefits for the community. Producers not only gain premium pricing for their winning lots but also develop a deeper understanding of how their coffees are perceived internationally. This year’s event reaffirmed the importance of “Lo Mejor de Monserrate” as a cornerstone of our collaboration with this extraordinary coffee-growing community.
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Cartagena: Port Tour
Our visit to Cartagena offered a fascinating glimpse into the logistical complexities of coffee exports. Cartagena’s port is Colombia’s busiest, handling immense volumes of coffee destined for international markets. One unique feature of Colombian coffee logistics is the use of LCL/FCL (Less-than-Container Load to Full-Container Load) shipping. Unlike in many other countries where coffee is loaded directly into containers at the farm or mill (FCL/FCL), Colombian exporters often prepare coffee at centralized facilities and then load it into containers at the port. This approach ensures better quality control and flexibility for smaller producers.
Cartagena’s vibrant history added a unique backdrop to our technical tour. Staying in the UNESCO World Heritage walled city, we were reminded of the port’s colonial past and its transformation into a modern logistics hub. Balancing the old and the new, Cartagena embodies Colombia’s resilience and ingenuity, making it an ideal setting to reflect on the intricate journey of coffee from farm to cup.
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Medellín: A Stunning Finale
Our trip concluded with a visit to Medellín, one of Colombia’s most dynamic cities. Arriving via one of the world’s longest tunnels, we emerged to a breathtaking view of Medellín illuminated at night. The city’s vibrant energy and stunning scenery left a lasting impression.
While in Medellín, we visited Clearpath Coffee’s exhibition farm, located just outside the city. Clearpath specializes in experimental and co-fermented coffees, pushing the boundaries of coffee innovation. The visit offered a fascinating glimpse into their processes and showcased the potential for creativity in specialty coffee production. The combination of Medellín’s urban vitality and Clearpath’s forward-thinking approach was the perfect way to end our journey.
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Reflections
This trip was a testament to the resilience and innovation of Colombia’s coffee producers. Despite challenges ranging from logistical complexities and security to climate change and emigration, the dedication to quality and sustainability was evident at every stop. Clearpath’s experimental and co-fermented coffees were particularly interesting, showcasing how innovative processing techniques can unlock unique and unexpected flavor profiles. Their work is a reminder of the endless potential for creativity in specialty coffee, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in quality.
As we look forward to the coffees arriving from this trip, we’re reminded that each cup tells a story of hard work, tradition, and partnership. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with these communities and excited to share their incredible coffees with roasters and consumers alike.