Colombian coffee beans: fruity and balanced

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Colombian coffee beans are known for their balance: fresh fruit such as citrus and red berries, with a sweetness of caramel and cocoa and sometimes a hint of nuts. That makes it an easy choice for both filter coffee and espresso. Here you'll find our Colombia single origin, other coffees from Colombia and a wide choice of espresso blends as beans or ground.

What makes Colombian coffee distinctive?

Colombian coffee grows on the slopes of the Andes, often high up, on volcanic soil and in many different microclimates. At altitude the coffee cherries ripen slowly, which gives the beans more complexity. Depending on the region, that shows up as bright fruit, sweet caramel or chocolate.

Most Colombian coffee is washed: the fruit is removed before the beans are dried. That gives a clean, clear cup in which the acidity and fruit stand out, which is why Colombian beans are popular with anyone who likes a lively flavour profile.

Coffee regions in Colombia

Colombia's coffee regions differ noticeably from each other. A coffee bean from the south often tastes quite different from one from the north.

Overview of Colombian coffee regions with flavour profiles and altitude/climate
Region	Flavour profile	Altitude & climate
Huila	Complex and fruity, citrus and red berries with a sweet finish	Up to 2,000 m, volcanic, lots of sunshine
Nariño	Bright and intense, pronounced citrus and floral notes	Southern Andes, high and cool
Antioquia	Full and round, chocolate, hazelnut, and light caramel	Andes mountain range, mild climate
Tolima	Elegant and sweet, caramel and stone fruits	Mountainous, sunny and fertile
Sierra Nevada	Spicy and earthy, cacao and spices	Unique microclimate between coast and mountains

Varieties and flavour profiles

Colombia grows almost only Arabica, in several varieties. Caturra is known for its gentle fruitiness, Typica for its classic, floral finesse and Castillo for its balance and full sweetness. Together with altitude and processing, that often gives a fresh start, a sweet, rounded body and a finish of chocolate or nuts.

Colombian coffee brands at Café du Jour

If you want to taste Colombia on its own, choose a single origin: our Colombia 100% arabica fresh coffee beans, illy Arabica Selection Colombia (250 g), or the Costa Coffee Colombian Roast in a 500 g bag. Want to compare Colombia with other origins? The Single Origins set (7 x 250 g) lets you taste them side by side.

This category also lists a wide range of espresso blends from Italian and other roasters, as beans and as ground coffee. Open a blend's product page for its details.

How to brew Colombian coffee

Colombian beans work with almost every brewing method. To bring out the fruit, choose a filter method such as a V60 from Hario, a Chemex or an AeroPress: the citrus and berries come through most clearly there.

For espresso, a medium roast works well: the sweetness of caramel and chocolate balances the light fruitiness. A cafetière gives a rounder body and a softer taste. And Colombian beans also make a good base for cold brew in summer.