Colombia Huila Pitalito

Cup Score: 84.5

ORIGIN: Colombia - Pitalito, Huila
PRODUCER: Various smallholders
VARIETY: Typica, Caturra, Castillo
PROCESSING: Washed
HARVEST TIME: September - December
ALTITUDE: 1,670 - 1,950 masl

Colombia’s coffee scene hardly needs an introduction—it’s renowned worldwide. But as always, there’s more beneath the surface, and today we’re exploring something special from the Pitalito region, found in the Huila department, one of Colombia’s true powerhouses of coffee production.

The Pitalito Region: A Perfect Balance

Nestled in Huila, Pitalito benefits from a unique microclimate that makes it an exceptional spot for coffee cultivation. The area maintains a humid atmosphere, with temperatures usually hovering between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year. From May to July, it cools down slightly, dipping to around 12 to 14 degrees, which offers a distinct growing period for the beans.

This range of climate plays a key role in shaping the cup profile, allowing for flavors that are both familiar and complex—qualities we’ll unpack in a moment.

El Tiple: More Than Just a Coffee

El Tiple coffee is sourced from small, family-owned farms, grown between 1,500 and 1,800 meters above sea level. That elevation plays its part, but more importantly, the goal here is to showcase the diversity of Colombia’s microclimates. It’s not just about altitude; it’s about the convergence of environment and craftsmanship.

What to Expect in the Cup

Now, on to the taste. What’s immediately apparent in this Pitalito Supremo is its ability to strike a balance between crowd-pleaser and something with a bit more depth. The coffee offers rich, indulgent milk chocolate notes as its foundation, but there’s also caramel, vanilla, and a touch of roasted almond in the mix.

What’s interesting is that, beneath that, you’ll notice a subtle floral complexity—nothing overwhelming, just a whisper that gives it a bit of nuance. The body is medium, as is the acidity, creating a cup that’s both satisfying and layered without being too sharp or too heavy.

Why Huila is Colombia’s Coffee Crown Jewel

Huila is a bit of a superstar in Colombian coffee production. It has all the right ingredients: an equatorial location, rich volcanic soil, and a microclimate that helps to produce coffees with a signature profile—bright acidity, an intense aroma, and often, fruity or caramel flavors that are distinctive yet versatile.

The region benefits from two harvests annually—September to December is the main crop, while April to June brings the mitaca, or secondary harvest. This staggered cycle ensures a steady supply of fresh coffee throughout the year, which is no small feat for producers.

The Meaning of 'Supremo'

You might have seen the term 'Supremo' tossed around when it comes to Colombian coffee, but it’s more than just a label. Supremo refers to the screen size—specifically, these beans are graded at screen size 17, meaning they pass through an 18/64 inch sieve. This is part of Colombia’s stringent grading system, ensuring that only the finest beans, with minimal defects, make the cut.

Of course, size isn’t the only indicator of quality, but it’s certainly one element of it. And to be called 'Supremo,' the beans must score above 80 points on a quality scale, ensuring a certain level of consistency in what you’re getting.

Washed Processing: Purity of Flavor

This Pitalito Supremo is a washed coffee, meaning the cherries are sorted for ripeness, depulped, and then fermented to remove the mucilage. Afterward, the beans are carefully dried to reach their optimal moisture content.

Washed processing is often favored for its ability to bring out the inherent characteristics of the bean, as well as the terroir and variety. It’s a labor-intensive and water-intensive process, but the reward is in the clean, bright flavors it tends to produce—a perfect match for the natural clarity this coffee has to offer.

Colombian Coffee: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Colombia’s coffee industry is a testament to tradition, skill, and diversity. With over half a million families involved and 16 distinct growing regions, the country’s coffee culture is as rich and varied as the cups it produces.

This Pitalito Supremo is just one example of how these small-scale farms, nestled in unique microclimates, contribute to Colombia’s global coffee reputation. Each cup offers a connection to a legacy of craftsmanship, and a reminder of the dedication that goes into every bean.