Colombia Los Nogales

Discover the magic of Colombia with Los Nogales coffee, which combines a rich history and an innovative approach. This family farm is located in the hamlet of El Diamante, near the town of Bruselas in the southern part of the Huila department. Its roots go back to 1940, when it was founded by the Hernandez family. The tradition and passion for quality coffee were further developed by Mr. Ricaurte Hernandez. However, after his death, the farm faced an uncertain future until the business was revived under the leadership of his son, Oscar Hernandez, who breathed new life into the farm, becoming an example for other farmers in the region.

Los Nogales coffee boasts the Orange Bourbon variety, renowned for its sweetness and unique flavor characteristics. The processing process begins with the careful harvesting of ripe fruit, which is key to ensuring high quality. After harvesting, the coffee is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with treated water, which eliminates unwanted impurities and microorganisms.

The next step is density sorting, known as floating, where the coffee beans are immersed in water. This method separates high-quality beans with higher density from lower-quality beans. This is followed by heat shock, where the beans are exposed to water at 80°C for 20 seconds, followed by rapid cooling in cold water for 3 to 5 minutes. This process helps break down sugars and pasteurizes the coffee beans, which has a positive effect on the taste.

The skins are then removed in a wet mill and the beans are placed in fermentation vats, where mosto – a natural juice obtained from pressing the skins of coffee cherries – is added. This step can significantly improve the flavor profile of the coffee and add sweet notes. Fermentation lasts for 120 hours, during which the sugars are broken down, which affects the final flavor and acidity of the drink. Similar to sourdough, a pre-ferment is involved here, which can give the coffee unique properties.

Finally, the fermented coffee beans are dried in the sun for 15 days. This process is necessary to achieve the right moisture content for long-term storage while also promoting the further development of the coffee's rich flavor. Every cup of Los Nogales coffee is a celebration of tradition, care and innovation, reflected in a unique taste experience.