Colombia Narino - Mil Colores

Grape, heavy body, chocolate, caramel, pineapple

TOP LOT

Bag Weight	70 KG BAG
Harvest Season	2025/26
Status	Spot
Lot Number	P614506-2

Alameda, CA: 23 Bag(s)

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About This Coffee

It is said that the lands of Nariño have many colors due to the diversity of its volcanic soils, which range from reddish and ochre tones to black and ash-colored soils, shaped by the region’s geological activity. "Mil Colores" is a group of coffee growers from the municipalities of La Unión, San Lorenzo, and Cartago in Nariño. They grow Caturra and Colombia varieties at 2,000–2,200 masl on the aforementioned volcanic soils, which, combined with high altitude and quality-focused processing, lend their coffees greater complexity, brighter acidity, and overall desirable profiles. These producers are adapting to climate change by implementing resilient methods that protect soil, water, and biodiversity while ensuring long-term coffee quality. Processing involves handpicking, 38–45 hours of fermentation, washing, and slow drying over 20–25 days. A notable member of the group, Luis Enrique Araujo, manages El Maco Farm in Cartago with exceptional care and conservation efforts, including maintaining a pine forest to preserve natural resources.

Country of Origin	Colombia
Region	Narino
Producer Type	Small Holder Farmers
Farm Name	Various producers
Processing	Washed
Processing Description	38-45hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios
Growing Altitude	2000m - 2200m

Harvest Season	2025/26
Bag Weight	70 KG BAG
Bag Type	Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species	Arabica
Variety	Caturra, Colombia

History of Colombian Coffee

As with many coffee origins, it is believed that coffee was first brought to Colombia by priests, arriving, perhaps, within a decade or two after coffee first came to the Americas via the Caribbean in the first half of the 17th century. It was likely a garden crop grown for local consumption and barter for decades. Unlike other coffee regions, we have the story of a priest named Francisco Romero, who could be called the father of commercial coffee cultivation in Colombia. The folkloric tale goes that in the early 1800’s, Father Francisco, hearing confessions in the north eastern town of Salazar de la Palmas, assigned planting coffee to his parishioners as penance for their sins. The Archbishop of Colombia heard about this and ordered all priests to adopt the practice. Commercial production of coffee expanded quickly, moving into regions where the growing conditions were ideal.

Growing Coffee in Colombia

Even though it’s been 4,000 years, the soil resulting from the last major eruption of Tolima is still considered “young soil,” filled with nutrients that are no longer found at the same levels in old soil. There is a long list of elements on offer in volcanic soil that are fading or absent in other soils, such as high levels of potassium and nitrogen. Also present is something called “Boron,” which arrived from outer space a long time ago, and is important to cell walls, the creation of enzymes, and the production of flowers and fruit, meaning Boron contributes to yield. Beyond the nutrients, the structure of volcanic soil is also beneficial to coffee growing. It can soak up and hold moisture while, at the same time, facilitate good drainage so water doesn’t pool, which is not good for coffee plant roots. Coffee plants like to take a drink, then take a break. Also, volcanic soils are usually found on an incline, which also helps with drainage.