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Colombian coffee has been one of the benchmarks of quality in the coffee world for sometime.
Rightly so too. Coffee courses through Colombia’s veins. Here, coffee is tradition, livelihood and passion for so many which transcends into the fantastic coffee that originates here.
I visited Colombia a couple of years ago and met some fantastic people in the coffee world. I even worked on a coffee farm for a few weeks.
The country is teeming with prime coffee growing environments, with the Andean mountains ripping straight down the middle with countless off-spills of high altitude slopes with varying temperatures.
Colombia is a prime specialty-coffee-growing country with a long history of production and was the focus of one of the most successful marketing campaigns in coffee history during the 50’s.
Juan Valdez cantered onto Television sets in 1958 And began telling the story of high quality Colombia coffee beans.
Here at Batch coffee we pride ourselves on showcasing some the some of the best independent coffee roasters in the UK and their seasonal single origin coffees from around the world in our subscription box.
We are a team of coffee professionals that have worked in the industry all around the world.
Our reviews are all our own words and we only recommend products or services that we love.
Here are a couple of our favourite coffee roasters that have fantastic seasonal coffee menus including some of the best Colombian coffee beans:
Batch coffee features two different coffees in each fortnightly box. That works out as over 50 new coffees every year that you can experience without leaving the house.
Although the roaster and the origin changes constantly, Colombia is an origin that is regularly frequented because of the quality and the diversity of the coffee. Checkout the Colombian coffees that we have recently featured below.
We spoke to a couple of coffee experts about their experiences with Colombian coffee.
I started my journey through Specialty Coffee in 2016 in Bogota’s Expo Especiales explains Yker from Bon Viviant Caffe.
At that time, I was working as a management consultant for a project in the city and had already spent four years traveling to Bogota frequently. Casually a friend invited me to go with her to the Expo, and that experience changed my life.
I saw a coffee auction, met coffee producers, watched the Colombian Barista Championship, and stopped at every stall asking for espresso machines features, grinders, and all sorts of things.
What I learned that day, I confirmed after a few years of researching and learning about coffee.
Colombian coffee is different because it has incredibly high standards. And it lives to high standards because the Colombian Coffee Federation does excellent work promoting Colombia coffee beans internationally.
It’s hard to say if Colombian coffee is the best in the world, as many would argue. But I trust Colombian coffee quality standards, and I know for a fact that Colombian coffee is good. Moreover, Colombian Single Origin Specialty coffee is superb.
Eventually, it all boils down to the people. Colombian producers and roasters know that they represent their country and feel proud to strengthen Colombia’s reputation as a premium coffee producer.
Why Is Colombian Coffee Considered Among the World’s Best?
Colombian coffee’s exceptional reputation isn’t just clever marketing – it’s the result of a perfect combination of geography, tradition, and human dedication.
The country’s unique position along the Andes Mountains creates what could be considered nature’s perfect coffee laboratory.
The mountain range splits into three distinct cordilleras (mountain ranges), creating countless microclimates that provide ideal coffee-growing conditions at different altitudes.
The volcanic soil in these regions is rich in nutrients that coffee plants crave, while the varying altitudes (typically between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level) create stress conditions that force the coffee cherries to develop more slowly, resulting in more complex flavour compounds.
This natural advantage is further enhanced by Colombia’s proximity to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, which creates unique weather patterns that provide just the right amount of rainfall and sun exposure throughout the growing season.
But perhaps most importantly, it’s the human element that truly sets Colombian coffee apart. Unlike many other major coffee-producing nations, Colombia still maintains a tradition of hand-picking coffee cherries.
This selective harvesting ensures that only perfectly ripe cherries are picked, while unripe or overripe ones are left on the tree for later harvesting.
Tom hindering Manuel on Finca Florida, Manizales.
This level of quality control starts at the very beginning of the process and continues through processing, where most Colombian coffee undergoes wet processing, which helps develop the clean, bright flavours that Colombian coffee is famous for.
There are differences in flavour profile within Colombia. However, there is a common denominator: coffee from Colombia often features a well-balanced flavour profile with a medium body.
It has some acidity with hints of sweetness.
However, as noted, flavour profiles do change from region to region. For example, coffee grown in the Medellin, Armenia and Manizales area (MAM for short, also known as the Eje Cafetero) has higher acidity than coffee from the northern parts of the country such as the Sierra Nevada.
This comes down to the many ideal cultivation areas in Colombia that still differ from each other.
Most of the high quality coffee beans get exported.
In Colombia, many people drink a ‘tinto’, which is a lower quality black coffee. Having a tinto with some locals is a great way to experience Colombian culture. Read more about Colombian Tinto Coffee.
How Sustainable Is Colombian Coffee Production and Why Does It Matter?
Colombian coffee production represents a delicate balance between traditional farming methods and modern sustainability challenges.
The backbone of Colombian coffee farming is the shade-grown cultivation method, where coffee plants flourish under a canopy of taller trees. This traditional approach naturally protects the environment by maintaining bird habitats, conserving soil, and preserving local biodiversity, all while producing exceptional coffee.
What makes Colombian coffee particularly unique from a sustainability perspective is its social structure. Unlike many other coffee-producing nations that rely on large plantations, Colombian coffee primarily comes from small family farms averaging just 2-3 hectares.
This small-holder model helps preserve traditional farming knowledge while providing direct economic benefits to local communities.
These farmers often pass down their expertise through generations, maintaining high-quality standards through personal attention to their crops.
However, today’s Colombian coffee farmers face significant challenges. Climate change is altering growing conditions, while rising production costs and market price volatility put pressure on traditional farming methods.
In response, farmers are adapting by developing disease-resistant varieties and implementing water-saving processing techniques, all while striving to maintain the superior quality that Colombian coffee is known for.
For coffee consumers, understanding these sustainability practices matters because they directly affect both coffee quality and the future of Colombian coffee production.
When purchasing Colombian coffee, looking for certifications like Rainforest Alliance or Fair Trade can help support these sustainable practices.
These efforts ensure that the rich tradition of Colombian coffee cultivation continues while protecting both the environment and the communities that produce some of the world’s finest coffee.
Is Colombian Coffee Handpicked?
Felipe recalls vividly one of his school field trips back in the 90s when he was living in Colombia.
We visited a coffee farm, and saw the coffee being harvested by some ladies carrying huge bags full of coffee cherries that I couldn’t even carry.
I remember seeing their hands with scars and cuts from years of coffee cherry picking. Hand-picking coffee is a very tough and sometimes hazardous job.
Every time I drink a cup of Colombian coffee, I remember these ladies. I know someone went through a lot of effort to harvest the coffee I’m now drinking, which makes me feel grateful.
Is Colombian Coffee Arabica Or Robusta?
Colombia officially produces only arabica coffee according to Index Mundi.
That being said, there may be a few small farms producing Robusta coffee but production of any varietal is considered zero if the annual production is under 1000 60kg sacks.
Find More Coffee Stats
Watch this space though as scientists and coffee farmers in Colombia are experimenting with Robusta coffees because of the increase in coffee leaf rust and Nestle have been reported to have sent 3000 Robusta seedlings according to Sprudge.
Is Colombian Coffee Roasted Light Or Dark?
Often you will find Colombian coffee roasted around the medium level in the world of Colombian single origin coffee. That is however a sweeping statement as coffee beans can be roasted to any level, from light to dark.
Generally speaking though Colombian coffee typically has sweet and rich notes that are highlighted best with a medium roast.
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COFFEEQUIZ25 will give you 25% off your first box 😊
Discover the UK’s finest speciality coffees, curated by us – the coffee professionals. Each delivery is completely different so you sample two new coffees, roasters and flavours in every box.
Ethically sourced, world-class coffee in compostable packaging – it doesn’t get better than this!
3 BOX PACKAGE – £19.50 per box
6 BOX PACKAGE – £17.99 per box – (Most Popular)
12 BOX PACKAGE – £17.50 per box – (Best Value)
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
COFFEEQUIZ25 will give you 25% off your first box 😊
Discover the UK’s finest speciality decaf coffees, curated by us – the coffee professionals. Each delivery is completely different so you sample two new decaf coffees, roasters and flavours in every box.
Ethically sourced, world-class decaf in compostable packaging – it doesn’t get better than this!
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
COFFEEQUIZ25 will give you 25% off your first box 😊
Discover the UK’s finest speciality coffees, curated by us – the coffee professionals. Each delivery is completely different so you sample two new coffees, roasters and flavours in every box.
Ethically sourced, world-class coffee in compostable packaging – it doesn’t get better than this!
3 BOX PACKAGE – £19.50 per box
6 BOX PACKAGE – £17.99 per box – (Most Popular)
12 BOX PACKAGE – £17.50 per box – (Best Value)
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
The Batch seasonal espresso blend is a great choice for home baristas seeking consistently and expertly roasted coffee beans.
These beans produce a well-balanced, full-bodied espresso that shines whether enjoyed black as an espresso or Americano, or when cutting through milk-based drinks with distinctive character.
Each coffee subscription box contains 2 x 200g bags of world-class speciality coffee, carefully curated to showcase exceptional quality and flavour profiles.
Our coffee club features 2 different independent coffee roasters in each box.
Your first coffee subscription delivery includes a free flavour wheel and brew guide, providing essential tools to enhance your coffee club journey.
All coffee featured in our coffee subscription is ethically sourced and Fairtrade certified, supporting sustainable farming practices and fair compensation for growers worldwide.
Our coffee club uses completely compostable packaging, making your coffee club experience environmentally responsible whilst protecting the freshness and quality of your speciality coffee beans.
We Dispatch Every 2 Weeks. The next dispatch is highlighted in the purple announcement bar above.
If you can’t wait that long drop us an email via our contact form below and we’ll send you some coffee asap. You can find all past and future dispatch dates here
Which postal companies do you use for shipping? We use Royal Mail and occasionally other courier services such as DPD, Evri or UPS.
How much coffee is in a BATCH box? Each Batch box contains 2 bags of speciality coffee.
How much coffee is in each bag? Each bag of coffee contains 200g of coffee. You will receive 2 bags with each box so you can taste and compare between the two.
How is the coffee packaged? We are plastic-free. Our bags and boxes are fully made out of organic material and re both fully compostable.Learn more about our Coffee Packaging.
Is your coffee organic fair trade? All of the coffee that we use in our subscription boxes is fair trade (as every product should be). While some of the coffee that we use may not always be “certified” organic, we have seen first-hand many farms are in fact organic but cannot afford to pay for the certification.
Do you provide information about the farms and producers Yes! Each coffee subscription box includes detailed information about the coffee farms, the producers, and the regions where your coffee was grown. We believe in transparency and want you to know the story behind every cup you brew.
What happens if I don’t like one of the coffees in my box? We understand that taste preferences vary! If you’re not satisfied with a particular coffee, please get in touch with our customer service team via our contact page.
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