How to Enjoy Colombian Narino Coffee Beans? Exploring Narino - One of Colombia's Premier Coffee Brands

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Colombia Nariño Coffee Beans: Flavor Profile and Characteristics

The Nariño region is located in southeastern Colombia, bordering Ecuador, within the Andes Mountains. The Andes begin in the south in Chile and Argentina, run north-south through Colombia, and traverse the Nariño region. The natural geographical environment includes the tropical Pacific coast, Amazon basin, and the high Andes Mountains, which divide the Nariño region into three main terrains: the Pacific coastal plains, the Amazon basin, and the Andean mountainous areas. The Nariño coffee region is produced by 37 municipalities within the Nariño province. Located in the western corner of Colombia, Nariño is the country's highest region, with coffee growing on the high mountain slopes near the western coast. This area is a primary supplier for Starbucks Coffee, and only premium, top-quality coffee beans from small farms have the opportunity to be exported. Known as the "Holy Grail," Direct Coffee selects very carefully chosen beans from small farms in the Nariño region, which are independently produced specifically for the European market.

Colombia: Coffee Production Overview

Colombia is currently the world's third-largest coffee-producing country, surpassed only by Brazil and Vietnam. Commercial coffee cultivation began in the 1830s, and by the 20th century, coffee became the largest exported agricultural crop. The mountainous terrain combined with diverse tropical microclimates provides an ideal growing environment. Total production accounts for 75% of exports, making it the most important source of foreign exchange income. Traditionally, ripe coffee cherries are processed using the washed method. Over the past 15 years, Colombia's coffee research center has developed an eco-friendly system that requires minimal water processing, reducing water resource pollution by 90% and water usage by 95%. This processing method not only effectively maintains ecological balance but also produces better quality coffee. Small farms spread their parchment coffee beans on the flat roofs of their homes for sun drying. Colombia's favorable climate with significant temperature variations allows for year-round production depending on the region. The main harvest period is from October to February of the following year, with November and December being the peak harvest season. Main varieties include Caturra, Colombia, Tipica, Bourbon, Maragogype, and Tabi. Across the country, over 500,000 farmers operate farms and cooperatives of all sizes, distributed across 590 municipalities and 14 major coffee-producing regions—including Nariño, Cauca, Meta, Huila, Tolima, Quindio, Caldas, Risaralda, Antioquia, Valle, Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Santander, and Norte de Santander. In total, 2 million Colombians depend on coffee cultivation for their livelihood, contributing 12.5% to the agricultural domestic GDP.

Nariño Region Coffee Characteristics

The Nariño region is located near 0° latitude at the equator, receiving nearly the same amount of daily sunlight throughout the year, with an average of 1,666 hours annually. The region's location and geographical environment, average annual temperature suitable for coffee growth, stable temperature variations between day and night, and annual rainfall allow coffee trees with rich organic soil to thrive at high altitudes in the Nariño region, significantly affecting coffee flavor and aroma. Colombian coffee is primarily classified by green bean size: 16-18 screen is called Supremo, 14-16 screen is Excelso, and smaller than 14 screen is classified as Usual Good Quality. This batch belongs to the Excelso category, but coffee bean size is not the sole determinant of coffee quality. Colombian coffee has long been appreciated for its balanced, full-bodied flavor and bright, lively fruit acidity, with Nariño region coffee particularly renowned for its strong aroma and sweetness.

Coffee Details

Farmer: Smallholder farmers from Alto del Obispo farm and surrounding different small farmers

Region: Nariño

Country: Colombia

Altitude: 1,750 meters

Certification: None

Variety: Caturra, Colombia (traditional Colombian Caturra)

Processing System: Fully Washed and dried on patio

Flowering period: September – December

Harvest period: March – July

Appearance: 18 screen

Top Jury Descriptions: Cupping roast level begins 60 seconds after first crack (Cinnamon)

Aroma/Flavor: Sesame, peanut, spiciness, perfume, flower nectar, sugarcane, chocolate, honey tea

Acidity: Mint, lemon, lime

Complexity & Other: Clean, refreshing, delicate, elegant, balanced, with a cool minty aftertaste. After cooling slightly, it's filled with honey and tea aroma. The flavor is mellow and smooth, with strong fruity aroma and sweet fruity notes. For those who prefer light roast, you can taste its bright, soft acidity, fruity notes, and sweetness.

FrontStreet Coffee's Recommended Brewing:

Dripper: Hario V60

Water Temperature: 90°C

Grind Size: Small Fuji grind setting 3.5

Brewing Method: Water-to-coffee ratio 1:15, 15g coffee grounds. First pour 25g water for 25s bloom. Second pour to 120g water, then pause. Wait until the water level in the coffee bed drops to halfway before continuing to pour. Slowly pour water until reaching 225g total. Extraction time around 2:00.

Analysis: Using a three-stage brewing method to clearly distinguish the front, middle, and back-end flavors of the coffee. Because V60 has many ribs and faster drainage speed, pausing during pouring can help extend the extraction time.

Important Notice :

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FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473