Since the early 19th century, Colombia has had a consistent presence in the global coffee market, thanks in part to a diverse geography that allows for year-long harvests. While historically recognised for its high-volume exports, today, Colombia’s coffee industry has shifted towards specialty-grade coffee and experimental post-harvest processing. Colombia’s crops are frequently supported by Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic certifications, reflecting a focus on both high standards of quality and sustainability.

Colombia’s coffee production is distributed across more than 20 ‘departments’, each offering distinct terroirs shaped by the Andes mountains. Farmers in Colombia’s top growing regions such as Antioquia, Huila, and Tolima, primarily grow Caturra, Castillo, Typica, and Tabi varieties. Within the Central Andes, Tolima is characterised by deep river valleys, volcanic soil, and snow-capped peaks. While its climate is well-suited for coffee, Tolima’s coffee production has previously suffered due to armed conflict and drug trafficking in the region. Despite this complicated past, the Tolima department is Colombia’s third-largest coffee-producer.

Straddling the border of two of Colombia’s coffee-producing departments, Tolima and Huila, lies the 40-hectare Finca Monte Frio. Originally acquired by Antonio Rivas in 1902, the farm was later inherited by his great-grandson, Hector, who began cultivating coffee there in the 1950s. Today, the estate is managed by Hector’s sons, Ferney and Oscar Rivas, along with help from Hector’s grandchildren. During the harvest, the Rivas family employs approximately 100 labourers to selectively handpick ripe cherries. Before being dried in silos, the harvests undergo a five-day anaerobic fermentation sealed in plastic bags. Alongside coffee crops, Finca Monte Frio also cultivates sugarcane, plantain, and oranges.

Phaedon's tasting notes

To my palate, this coffee epitomises the new wave of heavily processed specialty coffees coming out of Colombia. This type of coffee isn't for everyone, but for those who enjoy the wild flavours, this lot offers a superb example. It is absolutely bursting with tropical notes and zingy acidity with a lingering fruity finish. I enjoyed it most in immersion brew, methods which seems to be the trend for Legado's recent releases. I found those made the most balanced brews.

Legado’s notes

“Expect a bright, medium-to-high acidity wrapped in bold tropical fruit flavours – think Tropical Fruit Punch – with bursts of juicy sweetness and a lively, zesty lift. As the cup settles, a gentle bittersweet cacoa note emerges, gradually unfolding into a subtle cola-like nuance that grounds the experience and delivers an enjoyable, lingering finish.”

• Tasting notes: Bold tropical fruit, zesty citrus, cacao & cola finish
• Acidity: Medium
• Body: Medium
• Roast level: Medium

Coffee details from Legado

“From the high mountain region of Monte Frio comes a truly expressive small-lot Castillo, processed using extended anaerobic natural fermentation. This is a uniquely wild coffee for those who enjoy discovering something a little out of the ordinary.”

• Country: Colombia
• Region: Ataco, Tolima
• Farm: Finca Monte Frio
• Producer: Rivas Family
• Variety: Castillo
• Altitude: 1,680 masl
• Processing method: Extended anaerobic natural