Colombia Las Hermosas (Filter)

Tasting Notes: Almond | Berries | Toffee

Brew Style: Filter

Origins: Chaparral, Tolima

Elevation: 1,600 m Above Sea Level

Variety: Colombia, Castillo, Caturra

Process: Washed

Producer: Various

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 In the southern part of the department of Tolima, lies the vast Natural Reserve known as Las Hermosas. Spanning from 1,600 meters above sea level (Masl) to 4,500 Masl, this reserve covers an impressive 125,000 hectares. Bordering the reserve is the picturesque Cañon de las Hermosas, adding to the region's charm. With abundant water sources, including lakes atop the natural reserve and rivers such as Amoya and Davis flowing through the canyon, this area is a haven of beauty and biodiversity. It is home to many coffee farmers who produce high-quality coffees, giving rise to the aptly named brand, Las Hermosas, which embodies the diverse and stunning coffee produced by these farmers. Caravela began working with producers from this area in 2020, with farmers delivering their coffee to the purchasing station in Rioblanco, which was located one to two hours away from their farms. Understanding the needs of the farmers and aiming to provide better accessibility, a new purchasing station was opened in Chaparral in 2022. This station is much closer to the producers, enabling more farmers from the area to participate. Initially, Las Hermosas started with 12 contributing producers, but there is great potential to involve even more producers in the future.

The coffee farmers contributing to Las Hermosas come from a culture of traditional co ee farming. Some of them have already started to implement changes on their farms in recent years to improve the quality, such as upgrading machinery and using sieves to clean the coffee. Typically, the farms operate as family ventures where all members participate, and they receive help from neighbors when needed. In recent years, some farmers have made changes to their farms to enhance production through government projects, while others have taken the initiative themselves. Certain producers have shown a clear intention and drive to improve and advance, aiming for increased productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Coffee has played a crucial role in their growth and prosperity. In addition to coffee, Chaparral also cultivates other main agricultural products such as sugar cane to make panela, plantain, and fruit trees. The farms are primarily located on the steep parts of the mountains, with most of the terrain consisting of clay loam soil. The fertile soil, combined with abundant water sources and a climate influenced by the Las Hermosas National Natural Park, creates ideal conditions for coffee production, particularly high-quality coffee.