Colombia Tolima – Fair Trade Organic

Coffee from the south of Tolima has always been my favorite Colombia. A complete coffee with a full body, nice depth on the pallet, sweet red delicious apple with just a hint of blackberry and a clean, sweet finish.

I was surprised that this coffee, which is both Fair Trade and Organic certified, had all these characteristics. Typically, farmers would look to put certifications on a coffee that would not also get a premium for cup quality. That is the reason we have had so few certified coffees over the years. But this coffee, I am thrilled to say, is a wonderful example of the Tolima profile. Likely the high altitude, 1,560 to 2,010 meters above sea level, is partly responsible. The terroir and the skills and hard work of the farmers are the other factors.

This cooperative has 89 producers, most in the northern tip of Huila and some in the southern tip of Tolima (Planadas) from where we are lucky enough to have gotten this lot. I have visited Huila many times but only once to Tolima (for safety reasons). I look forward to future lots from this cooperative.