A Coffee Family: Coffee Cultivation & High-Altitude Harmony

The Small Growers Blend from Colombia represents artisanal coffee production with novel approaches, born from the highlands of the Caldas region in west-central Colombia. A harmonious fusion of diverse Arabica varieties, namely Caturra, Castillo, Colombia, and Bourbon, this coffee showcases the distinct qualities of a region known for producing some of the world’s finest beans. Each cup is a celebration of sustainability, and modern coffee farming, offering a complex flavoured experience. Here is the whole story. 

Single Origin Coffee Caldas Colombia

A Coffee Born in Caldas

Caldas, located in the heart of Colombia, is a region that enjoys unique climatic advantages, making it an ideal setting for coffee cultivation. The area’s geography, including its altitudes of 1,400 to 1,700 metres above sea level, plays a critical role in shaping the flavour profile of the Small Growers Blend. High-altitude coffee, such as this, tends to develop slowly, allowing for a denser bean with enhanced complexity. These conditions promote the development of sugars in the coffee cherries, contributing to the distinct sweetness that shines through in every sip.

 

The climate in Caldas is characterised by a temperate environment with consistent rainfall, which further aids in growing healthy coffee plants. This region’s rich volcanic soil provides essential nutrients that contribute to the robust flavour of the beans. It’s no surprise that Caldas has been recognised as one of the top coffee-producing areas in Colombia, with a reputation for consistently high-quality harvests.

The Coffee Family: Commitment to Sustainability

Behind the success of the Small Growers Blend is a dedicated group of producers known as A Coffee Family, a family-run enterprise committed to ethical and sustainable farming practices. At the core of their philosophy is a dedication to soil conservation and regenerative farming, which goes beyond traditional agricultural methods. They recognise that healthy soil is the foundation of exceptional coffee, so they take proactive steps to preserve its integrity for future generations.

 

Through research and development, A Coffee Family is constantly refining their farming techniques to meet modern standards while keeping sustainability in focus. This progressive approach is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by the coffee industry today, particularly climate change and resource depletion. The family’s commitment to innovation ensures that their coffee not only meets high-quality standards but is also produced in a way that minimises environmental impact.

A Coffee Family Colombia Malta

A Blend of Arabica Varieties

The Small Growers Blend is a carefully curated combination of four Arabica varieties: Caturra, Castillo, Colombia, and Bourbon. Each varietal brings unique attributes to the blend, resulting in a coffee that is both complex and balanced.

 

Caturra: Known for its bright acidity and sweet flavours, this mutation of Bourbon is highly prized in Colombia. Its small stature makes it more manageable for farmers, and its high-quality beans contribute to a lively and vibrant cup.

Castillo: Developed as a hybrid to resist coffee leaf rust, Castillo offers a bold flavour with subtle fruitiness. It’s widely grown in Colombia due to its resilience and adaptability.

Colombia: Another hybrid varietal, Colombia has been specifically bred for disease resistance while maintaining excellent cup quality. Its flavour profile includes soft floral notes, with a mild acidity that enhances the overall balance of the blend.

Bourbon: This classic Arabica varietal is known for its rich sweetness and full body. Its inclusion in the blend provides a smooth, velvety texture that complements the other varieties’ brightness and acidity.

By combining these, the Small Growers Blend offers a multi-layered flavour experience that reflects the diversity of the Caldas region.

 

At an altitude of 1,400 to 1,700 metres, the Small Growers Blend develops its signature medium-high acidity, a characteristic that balances beautifully with its sweet and creamy notes of sugar cane, caramel, and vanilla. These flavour attributes are the direct result of the growing conditions in Caldas, where the combination of altitude, climate, and soil composition allows coffee plants to thrive.

washed arabica single origin coffee Malta

The Washed Process: Clean and Bright Flavours

The washed processing method is another key factor in shaping the flavour of the Small Growers Blend. In this process, the coffee cherries are pulped to remove the fruit’s outer layer before being washed and dried. This method tends to produce a cleaner, more refined cup with pronounced acidity and clarity.

By using the washed process, the Small Growers Blend maintains a purity of flavour that allows the individual characteristics of each variety to come through and to highlight the sweetness of sugar cane and caramel.  

In each cup, you’ll find the natural sweetness of caramel with delicate undertones of vanilla adding a soft, creamy note. The medium-high acidity brings a refreshing brightness to the cup, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall complexity.

Coffee Score: Recognising Excellence

With a coffee score of 85, the Small Growers Blend is classified as a high-quality coffee. This score is based on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grading system, which assesses coffee on attributes such as aroma, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, body, and overall balance. A score of 85 and above indicates that this coffee is well-rounded, complex, and free from significant defects.

The score is not just a reflection of flavour, but also an indicator of the care and attention that goes into producing this coffee. A Coffee Family’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and modern farming techniques is evident in the final product, making the Small Growers Blend a standout option for coffee enthusiasts seeking both flavour and ethical sourcing.

A Blend Made for Espresso Lovers

Our Vicky Coffee Roasters note that the Small Growers Blend performs exceptionally well as an espresso. Its rounded body and rich flavour profile make it the perfect choice for those who enjoy a bold, flavourful shot. The coffee’s natural sweetness, combined with its medium-high acidity, creates a well-balanced espresso with layers of complexity and crema. 

Our washed Colombian Single Origin Coffee is now available online or in our Coffee Roastery Victoria Central Gozo for one time purchase or subscription.

Colombia Small Growers Blend