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How to Drink Colombian Medellín Coffee? What are the Characteristics of Colombian Coffee Beans?

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). When drinking water, we think of its source. Similarly, when drinking coffee, we should know where it comes from! Coffee beans on the market are mostly distinguished by their origin. Different regions, climates, soil types, coffee tree varieties, and green bean processing methods all affect the taste of coffee beans.

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

When drinking water, we should be grateful for its source. Similarly, when drinking coffee, we should know where it comes from!

Coffee beans circulating on the market are mostly distinguished by their origin. Different regions, climates, soils, coffee tree species, and various processing methods for green coffee beans all contribute to different flavors in coffee beans.

Colombia

As the second-largest coffee industry country after Brazil in production, its famous origins include Medellín, Manizales, Bogotá, Armenia, and others. The cultivated coffee beans are all Arabica, with smooth acidity and sweet aroma, offering a fragrant and rich taste.

Coffee Flavor Profile

Colombian coffee carries many different flavors: full body, chocolate, fruit notes, jam-like sweetness... There are significant variations between different producing regions.

History

Colombian coffee was likely introduced by Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century but didn't begin to play a significant role until the late 19th century.

Colombia clearly understands the value of marketing and early on created the coffee spokesperson Juan Valdez, which can be considered their greatest marketing success.

The marketing promotion plan, led by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (Federación Nacional de cafeteros, FNC), created two terms for coffee promotion: "Supremo" and "Excelso," which relate to coffee bean size but not quality. To buy good coffee, you need to ensure these beans come from specific regions, not just based on size labeling.

Colombian coffee farm owners can sell all their products to the Coffee Management Association at official low prices, or they can sell to exporters who might offer higher prices or not bid at all. In practice, the Coffee Management Association (FNC) controls exports to Europe, while coffee exports to the United States are mainly conducted through private exporters. However, all exports are subject to minimum export prices.

Colombia is fortunate to have both Atlantic and Pacific ports, which helps reduce coffee transportation costs. In South America, it is the only country with this advantage. Colombia's main production areas are located in the central and eastern mountain ranges.

Along the central mountain range, the most important plantations are located in the Medellín, Armenia, and Manizales regions. Among these three regions, Medellín's coffee has the highest quality and price, characterized by: full beans, rich nutrition, intense aroma, and moderate acidity. These three regions are collectively known as MAM (the first letters of the three major city names). Most of Colombia's premium export coffee comes from MAM regions. Along the eastern mountain range, the two best areas are around Bogotá and further north around Bucaramanga. Bogotá coffee has lower acidity than Medellín coffee, but their quality is comparable.

Colombian Coffee

The world's largest producer of premium coffee, traditional deep-roasted coffee has a strong and memorable flavor. Colombian coffee is one of the few original flavored coffees sold worldwide under a country name. The country is the world's largest exporter of Arabica coffee beans. It is nutritious, with some varieties having nutty flavors. It is often described as having a silky smooth texture. Among all coffees, it has the best balance, with a soft and smooth taste that can be enjoyed anytime. Colombia's most important production regions are collectively known as MAM (the first letters of Medellín, Armenia, and Manizales). Most of Colombia's premium export coffee comes from MAM regions. The Medellín region's coffee has the highest quality and price, characterized by full beans, rich nutrition, intense aroma, and moderate acidity.