Colombia Antioquia Region | Mercedi Estate Washed Caturra Characteristics

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Colombia is the world's third-largest coffee-producing country, with coffee grown almost everywhere. However, in recent years, the southern regions have surpassed the northern ones. Famous producing areas such as Nariño, Tolima, and Huila are all excellent origins. Small farms typically do not exceed 10-15 hectares. During drying, coffee beans are placed on elevated bamboo beds with UV-resistant canopies above, and large circulating fans maintain ventilation in the drying room. The sun-drying time does not exceed 18 days. Coffee moisture levels are measured daily. Small farmers believe that factors such as climate, soil, temperature, harvesting maturity, and proper handling and care on this Earth greatly contribute to the flavor of coffee. Comprehensive collection of farm data, continuous cupping and suggestions from professional cuppers, consumer preferences for flavors, and final feedback to farms for improvement—this is the path forward for specialty coffee in Colombia.

Juan and Andres, owners of Colombia's Finca La Mercedes, pay tribute to their father Alonso "Mono" Guerra under the name "Menno's Legacy." Their grandfather purchased this farm in 1960, when it was still just a pasture. Their father worked hard to transform it into a genuine coffee estate, while Juan and Andres dedicated themselves to transitioning to specialty coffee cultivation. Today, this place is an excellent farm certified by RFA (Rainforest Alliance) and UTZ (environmentally friendly agricultural products). The estate boasts extensive natural ecosystems while ensuring excellent coffee quality and ecological conservation, as organic care for the land is a fundamental condition for good coffee.

Farm Information

Farm Name: Colombia Finca La Mercedes

Farmer: Juan Andres

Region: Antioquia

Country: Colombia

Altitude: 1,800 meters

Coffee Characteristics

Variety: Caturra

Processing System: Fully washed and sun dried

Flowering Period: September – October

Harvest Period: March – July

Appearance: 16-18 screen

Aroma/Flavor: Peanuts, stone fruits, chocolate, pineapple, banana, milk candy

Acidity: Grapefruit acidity, cherry, orange – acidity is not delicate but rather coarse

Complexity and Other Characteristics: Floral and fruity notes with melon sweetness, balanced with high oleaginous texture and excellent mouthfeel. Not highly complex but smooth, with a tea-like aftertaste.

FrontStreet Coffee's Recommended Brewing

Dripper: Hario V60

Water Temperature: 90°C

Grind Size: Fuji Royal R-440 grind setting 3.5