2010 Colombia C.O.E 21st Place | Nariño Las Cochas Las Cajas Caturra

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2010 Colombia C.O.E. 21st Place | Las Cochas Farm's Caturra and Colombia Varieties from Nariño Province

Colombia is currently the world's third-largest coffee-producing country. Originally second only to Brazil, it has been surpassed in recent years by Vietnam, which specializes in growing and producing Robusta beans. Colombia first began planting so-called commercial beans in the mid-1830s. By the 20th century, coffee beans had become the largest export agricultural commodity. The local mountainous terrain combined with diverse tropical microclimates provides an ideal coffee-growing environment. The total planting area nationwide is approximately 875,000 hectares, with main varieties including Caturra, Colombia, Tipica, Bourbon, Maragogype, and Tabi. Farms and cooperatives of all scales are operated by more than 500,000 farmers 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 local agricultural GDP. Coffee bean production accounts for 75% of exports, making it a major source of foreign exchange income for Colombia.

Traditionally, ripe coffee cherries are processed using the washed method. Although Colombia's coffee research center has developed an eco-friendly system over the past 15 years that requires almost no water, reducing local water resource pollution by 90% and water usage by 95%. This dry processing method not only effectively maintains the ecosystem but also ensures stable coffee quality. Such dry processing methods are unique in Colombia. Farmers on small farms spread the parchment beans on the flat roofs of their homes for sun-drying. In higher altitude areas with colder climates, plastic sheds are used. Colombia's climate temperature diversity is extremely rich, and depending on the region, coffee can be grown and produced almost year-round. The main harvest season is from October to February of the following year, with November and December being the peak harvest period. The secondary harvest season is later, varying according to the microclimate of each producing region.

The farm owner is 64 years old this year, born in Samaniego city, Nariño. The farm is jointly operated by the couple and their children. Because it is a family farm, Mr. Melo works very hard, continuously improving and seeking progress, hoping to provide his children and grandchildren with good education and pass on the skills they rely on for their livelihood to continuously improve the family's living conditions.

Las Cochas Farm is 12 kilometers away from Samaniego city, protected by local vegetation. It is a traditional farm where coffee beans are processed using traditional equipment and then naturally sun-dried. The farm owner is quite active in community-held activities, enthusiastically participating in social care or coffee-related skill seminars, and makes unremitting efforts in local forest protection and environmental protection.

Property Characteristics

Farm Name: Las Cochas

Farmer: Melo

Rank: 21

City: Samaniego

Region: Nariño Province

Country: Colombia

Farm Size: 9.60 Hectares

Coffee Growing Area: 2.60 Hectares

Altitude: 2080 meters

Coffee Characteristics

Variety: 70% Caturra, 30% Colombia

Processing System: Washed Coffee

Weight: 2,469.15 pounds (1,119.99 kgs)

The sticker of Colombia C.O.E. Coffee Competition award-winning beans. All Las Cochas Farm coffee beans purchased directly from coffee come with this commemorative sticker.

Top Jury Descriptions

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

Aroma/Flavor: Honey, chocolate, citrus, melon, caramel, plum, raisin

Acidity: Lemon, tartaric acid, grapefruit

Complexity and Other: Smooth mouthfeel, creamy body, persistent sweet aftertaste with a cool mint sensation. Nariño Province represents the best of Colombian coffee. In this coffee competition, Nariño Province occupied almost all ranking positions, with farms of all sizes competing like flowers in bloom. The award-winning beans from Las Cochas Farm have distinct nutty aroma. After brewing, they primarily feature citrus and plum fruit notes. The acidity curve in the mouth is rounded without earthy flavors. This is a very delicate and sweet coffee from southern Colombia.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommended Brewing:

Dripper: Hario V60

Water Temperature: 90°C

Grind Size: Fuji Royal grinder 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, stop pouring. Wait until the water level in the coffee bed drops to half, then continue pouring. Slowly pour until reaching 225g total water. Extraction time approximately 2:00.

Analysis: Using three-stage brewing to clearly define the front, middle, and back-end flavors of the coffee. Because V60 has many ribs and faster drainage, stopping the pour can extend the extraction time for sun-dried coffee.

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