Colombia Huila

In Colombian coffee, the term “Excelso” refers to the grade of coffee. This grade is not associated with a specific variety of coffee or a cup profile; instead, it relates to the size of the coffee bean. The size of the bean is a crucial factor in the grading process, with Excelso coffee beans being large, generally measuring 15-16 screen size. Supremo grade beans are even larger, boasting a screen size of 17-18.

Huila Region Coffee

When it comes to Colombian coffee, the south is the unsung hero. Out of all the Colombian coffee-producing regions, the south stands out for its high-quality and high-altitude coffee beans. Nestled closer to the equator, the south is home to renowned coffee regions like Huila, Nariño, and Cauca. The coffee here, thriving on the slopes of the Andes Mountains and nourished by rich volcanic soil, offers unique cup profiles with sweet acidity and intense aromas. It’s a region that truly deserves our appreciation.

Colombian Coffee History

Coffee arrived in Colombia through Jesuit priests in the late 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became a significant industry, with the first exports recorded in 1808. The industry found its footing in 1927 with the creation of the National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC), which worked to elevate the reputation of Colombian coffee. In 1958, the FNC launched the iconic “Juan Valdez” campaign, establishing Colombian coffee as a unique, high-quality product in global markets. The FNC also introduced a national coffee fund, channeling resources into research, technical support, and varietal improvements to support the industry’s growth.