Colombia Antioquia

Cup Score: 81

ORIGIN: Colombia – Antioquia
PRODUCERS: Smallholder Farms
VARIETY: Regional Blend
PROCESSING: Washed
HARVEST TIME: Varies by microclimate
ALTITUDE: 1,400 – 1,900 masl

Tasting Notes: Sugarcane, Dark Chocolate

Traditional Antioquia – The Heartbeat of Colombian Coffee

In the hills of Antioquia—one of Colombia’s oldest and most storied coffee regions—tradition runs deep. Traditional Antioquia represents the classic flavor profile that first put Colombian coffee on the map: sweet, balanced, and comforting. This regional blend is composed of multiple varieties grown by smallholder farmers who continue the time-honored methods passed down through generations.

The washed process highlights the coffee’s clarity and brightness, bringing forward notes of sugarcane and dark chocolate that define the region’s signature taste. It’s a cup that feels both familiar and enduring—true to the Colombian spirit.

Antioquia – Where It All Began

Coffee first took root in Antioquia in the 18th century, and by the 19th, it had become the backbone of the region’s economy and identity. Rolling mountains, rich volcanic soils, and a diversity of microclimates create the perfect environment for growing high-quality Arabica. From these slopes, countless families have built livelihoods centered around the cultivation of coffee—transforming Antioquia into one of Colombia’s most influential coffee-producing regions.

Today, small family-owned farms remain at the heart of production. Many are embracing sustainable practices such as organic farming and agroforestry, ensuring that future generations can continue this proud legacy while protecting the land that sustains them.

The Story of Juan Valdez

A little-known truth: Juan Valdez isn’t a real person. Created in the 1950s by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC), he became a symbol—the face of Colombian coffee itself. Portrayed as a humble, bearded farmer with his mule, Conchita, Juan Valdez embodied the Antioquian coffee grower’s perseverance and pride.

More than a marketing icon, he represented the Federation’s effort to connect the world to the real stories of Colombia’s coffee farmers. The campaign—featuring Antioquia’s breathtaking landscapes and hardworking families—helped define Colombian coffee as a premium, ethical, and authentic product.

A Cup Rooted in Heritage

Traditional Antioquia isn’t just a coffee—it’s a reflection of Colombia’s soul. Each sip carries the warmth of small farms, the legacy of centuries-old tradition, and the enduring craftsmanship of Antioquia’s coffee growers.

Balanced. Honest. Deeply Colombian.