Huila

Of the many growing regions in Colombia, the mountainous department of Huila in the south west of the country grows the most coffee. Huila enjoys a wide diversity of micro-climates, temperatures, altitudes and coffee varieties. In fact, coffee is grown in 35 of Huila's 37 municipalities. All of this means that the coffee coming out of this region is as diverse as the variables that influence its production.

Pink Bourbon

Initially thought to be a natural hybrid of Red and Yellow Bourbon, this variety, famed for its characteristically pink ripened cherries and equally unique flavour characteristics, has become highly sought after. It has now been genetically confirmed that Pink Bourbon is in fact an Ethiopian Landrace variety. On our trips to Colombia, we've seen the variety proliferate across Colombia, particularly in Huila, where it has become extremely popular amongst specialty focused coffee producers.

Washed

Aldemar has hired other Los Guacharos members to help him pick cherries, and together they pick ripe cherries. He leaves those cherries to begin the initial fermentation process in the intact cherries, sealed in a bag-this fermentation phase lasts around 18 hours. From there, he de-pulps the coffee, and leaves the seeds to ferment in an open tank for about 36 hours. He washes the coffee two times, and it dries for about 20 days. Parchment coffee is stored in grain pro bags at home to ensure that humidity is stable at around 10.5%.