COLOMBIA FINCA LOS NOGALES DUO

We are excited to spotlight Finca Los Nogales, a farm owned by the Hernández family in Pitalito, Huila, Colombia. The two coffees in this box feature different processing methods and caffeine levels and are a testament to the dedication and innovation of the Hernández family in both farming practices and coffee processing.These coffees come to us from Forest Coffee, who provided us with information about the farm and the unique processing methods for these two coffees. 

Nativo Nogales Mossto Natural

The process begins with the meticulous selection of ripe cherries, followed by density-based sorting to ensure only the highest quality cherries are chosen. The beans then undergo a thermal shock treatment: they are exposed to 80°C for 20 seconds to help open the pores, and then rapidly cooled with cold water. This step enhances sugar development in the beans. Next, the coffee is fermented anaerobically for 96 hours in plastic tanks. As Oscar explains, "We apply a pre-fermented liquid dough with lixiviates, collected from a previous batch of the same variety. This liquid is stored under controlled temperatures of 18°C to maintain optimal conditions. This is our secret. By preserving the native microorganisms from our pre-fermentation dough, we create a distinctive flavor profile for our coffee." After fermentation, the beans are dried in mechanical silos for 2 to 4 days, followed by a final stabilization period of 15 days in GrainPro bags.

Typica Nogales Low Caf

The low caf process starts by immersing the coffee beans in hot water at 80°C to open the pores and prepare them for caffeine extraction. A natural solvent derived from coffee pulp is introduced to the water, and this process is repeated three times to remove approximately 95% of the caffeine while preserving the coffee’s inherent flavors. Next, a unique fermentation process is employed using a ‘sourdough’ starter. This fermentation lasts for 4 days (96 hours) in plastic containers. The sourdough, which acts as a starter culture similar to traditional sourdough, is collected from previous batches of the same coffee type and stored at a controlled temperature of 18°C to maintain optimal conditions. The final step involves an 8-day drying process in a controlled environment, ensuring the coffee reaches the ideal moisture level. 
*the unique processing on this coffee results in a sweet and tropical cup with a much lighter color and body*

The Story of Los Nogales

From the fertile land that embraced the coffee seed, amidst the majestic green mountains of Bruselas, the largest district in Colombia, lies the farm 'Los Nogales,' located in the El Diamante village. The hospitality of the farmer, the fresh air, and the rugged mountains enveloped by thick clouds encompass a territory that holds the history of the Hernández family within its coffee fields.

Around 80 years ago, Ricardo Hernández and Concepción Castillo set out to settle on "Los Nogales," a farm in Pitalito, Huila, with a dream to make a name in coffee history. Their love led to the birth of eight children who devoted their lives to the countryside. One of the siblings stood out, leading the family to be remembered in the coffee world. In 1952, Ricaurte Hernández, the youngest son, was born. He worked as a farmer and discovered the value of generosity, humility, and entrepreneurship through his experiences on the land; his dream was to see his children grow up on his farm with the values he cherished. In Valle del Cauca, Ricaurte met his life partner, Suldery Arango, a woman with coffee in her veins, and together they built a coffee empire. In 2005, their estate won first place in Colombia's "Cup of Excellence" contest, thanks to the family's dedication.

Ricaurte was a visionary, always looking for innovative practices in coffee cultivation and business. His life ended tragically in 2013 due to violence in the Colombian countryside, leaving a legacy of resilience and inspiration for coffee farmers across the country. After Ricaurte's death, the family considered selling the farm, but Oscar Fernando, his youngest son, decided to honor his father's legacy and took over the farm.

His dedication to sustainable practices and innovation, coupled with his experience in environmental management, has transformed Los Nogales into a modern coffee production center, producing high-quality coffee while emphasizing research, technological innovation, and environmental conservation. 

All info and photos are courtesy of Forest Coffee. 

SHIPPING INFO: Our shipping days are Tuesdays and Fridays. Your coffee will be shipped on the next shipping day after your order is placed.