Harvest season is upon us in Colombia. As one of the most diverse growing regions on the planet we have been looking forward to bringing you some of our favourites.
Regarded by many as the backbone of their blends, Colombian coffee brings a well-balanced cup with clean fruit notes and high intensity of sweetness. This is due to the various growing region’s ability to present contrasting flavour notes, and the alternating harvest cycles.
This year we have been lucky enough to work with a range of coffee from Gigante Huila, famously known for La Mano Del Gigante (the Giants hand) which is a work of art and viewpoint depicting a giant’s hand reaching from the mountains above Huila. The artwork represents the hand of Cerro Matambo, whom which the Town is named after. Legend tells of how the giant Matambo, before a fierce battle with thousands of Michúes, asked Mirthayú to take refuge in the hills to the east of the territory to observe his triumph or defeat. She, at the end of a brave fight, felt her love fall thunderously on the ground, mortally wounded by their enemies. Today we observe the mythical couple turned into rock and carved in the mountains of Gigante, Huila. Matambo’s face makes the mountains where Gigante is located as he stares endlessly into the universe while lying next to his love Mirthayu.
Accounting for more than 18% of Colombia’s coffee production Huila’s volcanic ash enriched soil, crystalline rivers and vibrant forests have helped define the Hulia region’s unique flavours. In 2013 the region was awarded a Denomination of Origin status, the same status award which is given to regions like Champagne to protect its regional-specific attributes. Farmers from this region regularly produce coffee lots which place highly in the cup of excellence awards, establishing a standard of high-quality coffee on top of their high production levels.
The association of coffee growers responsible for these cups are known as ‘El Desarrollo’. With over 220 small and medium size affiliates located in the west slopes of the East Andes that inhabit 41 villages. On top of the coffee growing, the association also gives the children of coffee growers the opportunity to be trained in raw materials and processing, as well as first hand sales experience in the association's coffee shop 'Mithayu', and provide a football skills program.
Interested in getting your hands on some Colombian coffee? Contact your account manager or email us at info@langdoncoffee.com.au.
