Colombia washed Arabica Excelso EP Manizales

Colombia’s quality reputation stems from hard work and excellent terrain. A unique topographic characteristic also comes into play when talking about the various facets of Colombian coffees: the three cordilleras of the Andes mountain range. Several microclimates are formed between and within the mountain ranges, resulting in exceptional conditions for high-quality coffee production.

Among Colombia’s 19 distinct coffee-producing regions is Manizales, the capital of the department of Caldas. It is located near the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in the northern part of the Colombian Coffee Growers’ Axis (Eje Cafetero). The region’s core economy is based on coffee production, with coffee having been introduced in the 1800s. Today, more than 100,000 families living in Manizales are dedicated to coffee farming.

The Cooperativa de Café de Manizales was founded here in 1960 and now works with over 3,700 members, most of whom are small coffee producers in eastern and central Caldas. The cooperative operates 15 purchasing points across nine municipalities to collect coffee from its members. It also runs strong social programs that not only support producers in increasing productivity and quality but also improve their quality of life by providing educational programs, health insurance, veterinary assistance, and support in the event of a family member’s passing.

This coffee was grown by smallholder farmers with no more than two hectares of land in Manizales. Thanks to the proximity to the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, the volcanic soil is mineral-rich, and farm altitudes range between 1,300 and 1,800 meters above sea level. Classified as Excelso, the beans are screened at sizes 15/16. Excelso represents the largest volume of coffee exported from Colombia, consistently supplied throughout the year. These beans are characterized by a clean cup, medium body, and rich acidity.