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Characteristics of Colombian Nariño Coffee - How to Brew Nariño Coffee

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). Colombia is located at the intersection of the northern and southern hemispheres, so most farms can achieve two coffee harvests annually. The Nariño region, located further south, only has one harvest per year, resulting in lower production compared to other Colombian beans. However, it features strong notes of nectar, chocolate, and caramel.

Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information. Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat Official Account: cafe_style)

Introduction to Colombian Narino Coffee

Colombia is geographically located at the junction of the northern and southern hemispheres, allowing most farms to achieve two coffee harvests per year. However, the Narino region, situated further south, only yields one harvest annually, resulting in lower production compared to other Colombian beans. Yet, its intense floral nectar, chocolate, and caramel aromas, along with a pleasant sweetness, are what most people associate with Narino region coffee.

Colombia's Global Coffee Position

Colombia is currently the world's third-largest coffee-producing country, surpassed only by Brazil and Vietnam. Coffee cultivation began in the 1830s, and by the 20th century, coffee had become the largest export agricultural commodity. The unique mountainous terrain combined with diverse microclimates provides ideal growing conditions. Approximately 75% of total production is exported abroad, making it the most important source of foreign exchange income.

Environmental Innovation in Coffee Production

Over the past 15 years, coffee research centers have developed an ecological protection system that requires minimal water processing, reducing water resource pollution by 90% and water usage by 95%. This processing method not only effectively preserves the ecosystem but also enhances quality. It has now become a distinctive feature of coffee production, contributing 12.5% to the domestic gross production, with a total of 2 million Colombians relying on coffee cultivation for their livelihood.

The Narino Region: Geography and Climate

Narino and Agustin are the target regions! Narino is located in the southwestern corner of Colombia, representing the country's highest region bordering Ecuador. Coffee grows on the high mountain slopes facing the western coast. Narino, a magical place in southern Colombia facing the Pacific Ocean, features a unique circular valley microclimate. Although its cultivation area is the smallest among the 14 major producing regions, it boasts the best quality, earning the ancient reputation of the 'Pope's Holy Grail'.

The Narino coffee region in Colombia is situated in the Andes Mountains at the southeastern border with Ecuador. The Andes Mountains, beginning in southern Chile and Argentina, stretch across Colombia from north to south while traversing the Narino region. The natural geographical environment—tropical Pacific coastline, Amazon basin, and towering Andes Mountains—divides the Narino region into three major terrains: first, the plains along the Pacific coast; second, the Amazon basin; and third, the Andes mountainous area. The Narino coffee region is produced by 37 municipalities within the Narino province. Located near latitude 0° at the equator, the region receives nearly identical daily sunlight hours throughout the year, with an average of 1,666 hours annually. The region's location, geographical environment, suitable annual average temperature for coffee growth, stable daily temperature variations between morning and evening, annual rainfall, and soil rich in organic matter enable coffee trees in the Narino region to thrive at high altitudes, significantly impacting the flavor and aroma of the coffee.

Coffee Cultivation and Trade

Premium Colombian coffee beans grow at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains, intercropped with banana and rubber trees that provide shade for the coffee plants. Colombian coffee farm owners can sell all their products to the Coffee Management Committee at official low prices or to exporters who might offer higher prices. In practice, the Coffee Management Committee controls overall exports to Europe, while coffee exported to the United States is mainly handled through private exporters. However, all exports are subject to minimum export price controls.

Brewing Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee's brewing recommendations for Colombian Narino:

V60/1:15/90℃/2 minutes

About FrontStreet Coffee

FrontStreet Coffee: A Guangzhou-based roastery with a small shop but diverse coffee bean varieties, offering both famous and lesser-known beans, along with online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com