Colombia Huila - Ancestral

Grape jello, chocolate syrup, macadamia, brown sugar
TOP LOT
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Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Harvest Season 2025/26
Status Spot
Lot Number P615397-1
  • 94 Bag(s)
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About This Coffee

The name “Ancestral” pays tribute to the traditional knowledge inherited by these smallholder producers from grandparents and parents, who taught coffee cultivation while respecting the rhythms of nature, observing climate, soil, and mountains as essential parts of the process. In these lands, each harvest reflects empirical knowledge built through patience, manual labor, and a deep respect for the environment. Despite the evolution of processing methods and the adoption of new techniques, the coffee growers of Huila have kept their roots alive, combining tradition with innovation without losing the essence of their origin.

More than just a name, “Ancestral” is a tribute to the rural identity of Huila, to its mountains, and to the families who have made coffee a way of life, preserving a legacy that lives on in every cup. The cherries in this lot are carefully selected and then depulped, followed by fermentation in tanks for 36 to 40 hours. Afterwards, the coffee is traditionally washed and dried on patios for 12 to 18 days, depending on the weather conditions.

Country of Origin Colombia
Region Pitalito, San Agustín, Palestina and La Argentina
Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
Farm Name 40 producers
Processing Washed
Processing Description 36-40hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios
Growing Altitude 1600m - 1900m
Harvest Season 2025/26
Bag Weight 70 KG BAG
Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
Plant Species Arabica
Variety Castillo, 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. 

  • Region Pitalito, San Agustín, Palestina and La Argentina
  • Farm Name 40 producers
  • Producer Type Small Holder Farmers
  • Processing Washed
  • Processing Description 36-40hr fermentation, sun-dried on patios
  • Bag Type Grain Pro / Ecotact
  • Plant Species Arabica
  • Variety Castillo, Colombia
  • Min Growing Altitude 1600m
  • Max Growing Altitude 1900m
  • On Sale No
  • Top Lot Yes
  • Status Spot
  • Coffee Grade COL CA WA EXCO EP10
  • CTRM Contract Number P615397-1
  • Country of Origin Colombia
  • Warehouse Continental NJ