Which coffees should you taste at Café Cultor? When you go to any of their locations, you may be overwhelmed by the choices in coffees.
Tolima…Sierra Nevada…Manaure…and many more. Depending on their roasting schedule, they may have 8 or 10 coffees available at any given time.
To make it even more complex, some coffees are labeled “exóticos” because they are the product of infrequent harvests or are available in small quantities.
The upside is that the coffee experts here have an almost scientific approach to coffee preparation. The baristas agonize over selecting just the right coffee for each brewing method, take time to grind it properly, and getting the pour just right. So linger over a cup at the coffee bar and put the baristas to the test with all your toughest questions. While it helps if you know Spanish, a number of them do speak pretty good English.
Here we’ll give you a brief overview of each coffee.
Just a note about regions: the region is the area of the country the coffee is grown in, and each region has its own profile. Regions vary in latitude, altitude, soil conditions, microclimates, rain patterns, and traditions. These will all affect the flavors, body, aroma and acidity you’ll find in your coffee.
If that seems overwhelming to you, ask the baristas about it – or take one of our Specialty Coffee Workshops and we’ll explain it all to you.
Tolima Volcano
The region of Tolima (south but not too far south) has a lot of volcanic soil that gives it a rich mineral content.
So you’ll find coffee with chocolate and berry notes that might also have a bit of vanilla and caramel thrown in. The finish will be long, with medium to low acidity and a smooth body.
Suggested brewing methods: Chemex, V60, Aeropress, or French Press (yes, Tolima does well in almost any brewing method)
Sol Naciente
Sol Naciente comes from the Sierra Nevada, where Arahuaco indigenous tribe grows coffees that are spicy, floral and nutty. Expect a long finish and low to medium acidity.
Suggested brewing methods: Aeropress (to highlight acidity) or V60 (to highlight sweetness)
Bajo Ceiba
Bajo Ceiba is, as the name suggests, grown under magnificent ceiba trees. From the Santander region, this sweet coffee has medium acidity and creamy body. Expect an intense coffee with a long finish and a distinct sweetness.
Suggested brewing methods: French Press, Aeropress
Inga Mystique
Nariño holds a fond spot in the hearts of many Colombians, and coffee from this region has a strong personality. You’ll find high acidity and berry notes with a touch of vanilla in this coffee.
Suggested brewing methods: Chemex, V60
Agustino Forest
It’s called “forest” because it’s grown beneath a canopy of trees – good for the coffee and good for the environment. This coffee from Huila has a good acidity but it’s balanced out by a satisfying sweetness. You’ll also find notes of bourbon and tobacco and a touch of mandarin orange.
Suggested brewing methods: Chemex, V60, Aeropress
Mandarina Queen
Huila is known for coffees with citrus notes, and this high altitude Gesha coffee has all the floral notes you’d expect.
Suggested brewing methods: V60, Chemex or Syphon
Flavors of Bogota Signature Roast
This roast is one that the Flavors of Bogota team developed with Café Cultor’s team of coffee experts. We designed it especially for the guests we have on our Specialty Coffee Workshop, taking into account their preferences.
With notes of cranberries, cacao nibs, and maple syrup, this roast is one of our favorites. It has a creamy body and lively acidity, without being too overwhelming. Even if you’re not on one of our Specialty Coffee Workshops, you can still purchase this coffee.
Suggested brewing methods: French Press, V60
The fascinating world of Colombian coffee
We love Colombian coffee! But you must be asking yourself:
- What makes Colombian coffee so good?
- Is coffee important to Colombians?
- How do Colombians drink coffee?
- Where can I drink the best Colombian coffee?
- Where is Colombian coffee grown around the country?
- How can you learn to taste coffee like a professional?
Join us for a Specialty Coffee Workshop (in Bogota, Cartagena or Santa Marta) and we’ll explain everything you need to know about specialty coffee in Colombia.
We have fun, dynamic coffee workshops (both in-person and virtual) as well as online coffee courses. You will love learning about coffee with us!
