Las Aguilas

Step off the beaten path and journey to Las Águilas, a small village nestled in the foothills of the majestic Las Minas mountain range in the central Andes of Colombia. Nearby lies the breathtaking Puracé National Natural Park, a renowned Flora and Fauna Sanctuary celebrated for its rich biodiversity—home to over 200 orchid species and 160 varieties of birds, including the iconic Andean Condor.

Las Águilas, a vibrant and vivid coffee, captures the very essence of its remarkable surroundings. This bright and balanced washed Pacamara lot invites you to explore the depths of its flavour, with tasting notes of baked peach and blood orange, complemented by delicate floral aromas and a subtle caramel sweetness.

PROCESS: WASHED
This coffee underwent a traditional washed process in Colombia, starting with the selective handpicking of ripe coffee cherries, followed by depulping to remove the outer skin. The coffee then undergoes controlled fermentation in tanks for 12 to 36 hours to break down the sticky mucilage layer. After fermentation, the coffee is thoroughly washed with clean water to remove any residual mucilage, ensuring clarity of flavour. The washed beans, still in their parchment layer, are dried on raised beds, patios, or under parabolic dryers until they reach a moisture content of 10–12%.

VARIETY: CHIROSO
The Chiroso variety is a rare and highly sought-after coffee cultivar native to Colombia, thriving in the high-altitude regions of Antioquia and Huila. Renowned for its exceptional quality and distinct flavour profile, Chiroso has gained popularity among specialty coffee enthusiasts and competitors in global coffee championships.

Celebrated for its delicate complexity, Chiroso often exhibits floral and citrus notes reminiscent of Ethiopian heirloom varieties. Despite its smaller yields and susceptibility to pests and diseases, this variety is cherished for its unparalleled cup profile, making it a true labour of love for the small, family-owned farms that cultivate it.

TRACEABILITY:

LA ARGENTINA
La Argentina, located in the southwestern part of the Huila department, is a region of stunning natural beauty nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Its dramatic mountain ranges, lush valleys, and pristine rivers create an idyllic setting, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level. These diverse microclimates make La Argentina an ideal location for cultivating high-quality Arabica coffee, contributing to Huila’s global reputation for exceptional specialty coffees.

The region’s fertile volcanic soils, enriched by ash from nearby Andean volcanoes such as Nevado del Huila, provide essential minerals and nutrients for coffee cultivation. Complementing this are the rivers that flow through the region, including the Magdalena—Colombia’s largest river—which supports agricultural abundance and sustains local ecosystems. La Argentina receives about 1,800 to 2,200 mm of rainfall annually, spread across two main rainy seasons, ensuring consistent coffee yields.

Over the decades, La Argentina has emerged as a key player in Colombia’s coffee landscape. Most farms in the region are small-scale, with plots averaging 1–3 hectares. These farms are often family-run, and many farmers are members of cooperatives that provide them with access to international markets. This collaborative approach has helped elevate La Argentina’s profile within Colombia’s specialty coffee sector, making it a vital part of the country’s coffee-growing heritage.

HUILA
Huila, located in southern Colombia, is a region rich in history, culture, and coffee excellence. This department was originally home to indigenous groups such as the Pijao, Andaquí, Yalcones, and Paeces, whose cultural heritage is evident in the renowned San Agustín Archaeological Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Latin America’s most significant pre-Columbian archaeological locations.

Huila is one of Colombia’s most important coffee-producing regions, especially noted for its specialty coffees. The region’s unique combination of high altitudes (often ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 meters), volcanic soils, and a variety of microclimates creates ideal conditions for growing coffee with rich and complex flavour profiles. The department’s coffee received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2013, underscoring its exceptional quality on the international stage. The local coffee industry consists mainly of small-scale farmers who continue to use traditional cultivation methods. For many families in Huila, coffee isn’t just a crop—it’s a way of life and a cornerstone of cultural identity.

Huila’s culture is deeply intertwined with music, dance, and vibrant celebrations. The Bambuco National Festival, held annually in Neiva, the department’s capital, celebrates Huila’s musical heritage with performances of bambuco—a traditional Andean rhythm—and the famous sanjuanero huilense dance.

The department’s geography is diverse, ranging from the high Andean peaks, like Nevado del Huila (one of Colombia’s tallest volcanoes), to the tropical valleys along the Magdalena River, Colombia’s longest river. The climate varies accordingly, with cooler temperatures in the highlands and warm, tropical conditions in the lowland valleys, which support a wide range of agricultural products including coffee, cacao, fruit, and rice. Huila also hosts the Tatacoa Desert, famous for its red and gray rock formations and its stargazing appeal, drawing visitors from around the world.

With its Protected Geographical Indication status, internationally recognized quality, and commitment to traditional farming methods, Huila stands as a beacon in the Colombian coffee landscape. Its rich cultural and environmental diversity not only supports an exceptional coffee-growing industry but also makes Huila one of Colombia’s most unique and intriguing regions.