Coffee culture

Introduction to Rose Valley Coffee Beans from Datree Estate in Colombia's Santander Region

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Colombia is a maritime and continental country located in northern South America, sharing borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama, while bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the north. Colombia's terrain is generally divided into western mountainous regions and eastern plains, with the western part primarily consisting of the Andes mountains and the eastern part mainly comprising the Orinoco plains.

Colombia: The Coffee Paradise

Colombia is a coastal country located in northern South America, bordering Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the north. Colombia's terrain is roughly divided into western mountainous regions and eastern plains, with the western part primarily consisting of the Andes mountains and the eastern part comprising the Orinoco and Amazon plains. The average temperature in Colombia ranges from 15.8°C to 20.5°C, with annual rainfall between 1,000-2,500 millimeters. The high-altitude mountainous areas, volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and diverse microclimates create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation, making Colombia the world's third-largest coffee-producing country.

Colombia coffee landscape

The Development of Colombian Coffee

According to historical records, coffee was introduced to Colombia in the late 18th century by Jesuit priests among Spanish colonizers. The first coffee plantations were established in the provinces of Santander and Boyacá, subsequently spreading to other regions. However, between 1899-1903, Colombia experienced civil unrest, leading to a sharp decline in the coffee-growing population and the abandonment of many plantations. After the conflict ended, the government to save the coffee industry began consolidating wasteland and dividing it into small plots, selling them to farmers at extremely low prices, enabling them to cultivate coffee and other crops and start new lives. By 1912, coffee had developed significantly and accounted for 50% of Colombia's total exports.

Historical Colombian coffee farming

In 1920, at the suggestion of coffee farmers, the Colombian Coffee Federation was established to protect the interests of small coffee farms. Subsequently, this organization continued to grow and develop, leading to the formation of the more authoritative and standardized National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) in 1927. After its establishment, the FNC implemented a series of initiatives, including strict quality control, establishment of the National Coffee Research Center, and the creation of Juan Valdez and his mule Conchita to promote Colombian coffee, enhancing the global competitiveness and influence of Colombian coffee.

Santander Region

Colombia has a relatively large land area, which allows for multiple coffee-growing regions. Famous regions include the provinces of Santander, Huila, Cauca, Nariño, and Lima. Due to mountainous terrain, different microclimates, and varying growing conditions, coffee from each region exhibits significant flavor differences.

Santander coffee region landscape

The Santander region is located in northern Colombia, situated in the Andes mountains, with cultivation altitudes between approximately 1,400-1,700 meters. Santander is a very important yet rarely mentioned province, but it is actually one of the earliest regions in Colombia to start growing coffee. Currently, the Santander region accounts for 5% of Colombia's total coffee production. Most coffee varieties grown in this region are Caturra, Castillo, and others, many of which are leaf rust-resistant varieties. This has made Santander a low leaf rust prevalence area in Colombia and even worldwide. Coffee beans from this region are known for their intense flavors, long-lasting aftertaste, and unique fresh herbal notes.

Finca El Arbol

Finca El Arbol is located in the northern part of the Santander coffee region at an altitude of 1,700 meters. Finca El Arbol is one of the few single-variety plantations in the Santander region. The owner of Finca El Arbol, Vargas, has been cultivating coffee at Finca El Arbol for 20 years. Through years of development and experimentation, he has gained deeper understanding and practical experience in coffee cultivation and processing.

Finca El Arbol coffee plantation

Caturra

Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon, discovered between 1915 and 1918 on a plantation in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A group of Bourbon plants growing on the plantation underwent genetic mutations, resulting in smaller plant growth. This variety is suitable for cultivation at altitudes ranging from 700 meters to 1,700 meters, demonstrating strong altitude adaptability. When grown at higher altitudes, it produces superior flavors but with relatively reduced yields.

Caturra coffee cherries

FrontStreet Coffee Colombia Finca El Arbol Rose Valley Coffee Beans
Region: Santander
Estate/Processing Station: Finca El Arbol
Altitude: 1,700 meters
Variety: Caturra
Processing Method: Anaerobic Enzyme Washed
Flavor Notes: Peach, Cranberry, Liqueur Chocolate, Rose

The Colombian Rose Valley coffee beans obtained by FrontStreet Coffee come from Finca El Arbol in the Santander region of Colombia. These FrontStreet Coffee Rose Valley coffee beans are processed using the anaerobic enzyme washed method and medium roasted. FrontStreet Coffee uses V60 with a 1:15 ratio and 92°C water temperature for brewing. It has aromas of rose and liqueur chocolate, with berry-like acidity upon entry, featuring cranberry and peach flavors, fruity sweetness, and a smooth mouthfeel.

FrontStreet Coffee brewing Rose Valley coffee

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