Colombia Huila Pink Bourbon

Juicy, strawberry starburst, cherry, peach, blackberry
TOP LOT
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Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2023/24
Status Spot
Lot Number P612778-1
  • 20 Bag(s)
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About This Coffee

This single-variety Pink Bourbon lot is sourced from smallholder farmers located in the Pitalito, Palestina, Salado Blanco, and Acevedo municipalities, in the department of Huila. Some 25 farmers (10 women, 15 men) contributed to this high-elevation lot

Originally thought to be a mutation of the Red and Yellow Bourbon varieties commonly grown in Colombia, there is now evidence to suggest Pink Bourbon is an Ethiopian landrace variety, arriving in Colombia via unclear means. Regardless, Pink Bourbon is a coffee unique in appearance and flavor profile. Farmers must carefully manage crop placements to ensure the proper cross-pollination of cherries that can range in color from light red to soft orange. During harvest, pickers must pay extra attention because determining ripeness requires some inspection and isn’t as simple as choosing only the reddest cherries. This challenging process produces complex flavors.

Country of Origin Colombia
Region Palestina, Pitalito, Salado Blanco, Acevedo
Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
Farm Name 25 producers (10 women, 15 men)
Processing Washed
Processing Description 45-50hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios and solar dryers
Growing Altitude 1600m - 1900m
Harvest Season 2023/24
Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Variety Pink Bourbon

History of Colombian Coffee 

As with many coffee origins, it is believed that coffee was first brought to Colombia by priests, arriving, perhaps, within a decade or two after coffee first came to the Americas via the Caribbean in the first half of the 17th century. It was likely a garden crop grown for local consumption and barter for decades. Unlike other coffee regions, we have the story of a priest named Francisco Romero, who could be called the father of commercial coffee cultivation in Colombia. The folkloric tale goes that in the early 1800’s, Father Francisco, hearing confessions in the north eastern town of Salazar de la Palmas, assigned planting coffee to his parishioners as penance for their sins. The Archbishop of Colombia heard about this and ordered all priests to adopt the practice. Commercial production of coffee expanded quickly, moving into regions where the growing conditions were ideal. 

Growing Coffee in Colombia 

Even though it’s been 4,000 years, the soil resulting from the last major eruption of Tolima is still considered “young soil,” filled with nutrients that are no longer found at the same levels in old soil. There is a long list of elements on offer in volcanic soil that are fading or absent in other soils, such as high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Also present is something called “Boron,” which arrived from outer space a long time ago, and is important to cell walls, the creation of enzymes, and the production of flowers and fruit, meaning Boron contributes to yield. Beyond the nutrients, the structure of volcanic soil is also beneficial to coffee growing. It can soak up and hold moisture while, at the same time, facilitate good drainage so water doesn’t pool, which is not good for coffee plant roots. Coffee plants like to take a drink, then take a break. Also, volcanic soils are usually found on an incline, which also helps with drainage. 

  • Region Palestina, Pitalito, Salado Blanco, Acevedo
  • Farm Name 25 producers (10 women, 15 men)
  • Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
  • Processing Washed
  • Processing Description 45-50hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios and solar dryers
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Variety Pink Bourbon
  • Min Growing Altitude 1600m
  • Max Growing Altitude 1900m
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P612778-1
  • Ctrm Region Huila
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse The Annex CA