Why Colombian Coffee Beans Are So Special — The Story Behind Our Colombia Tintico Single Origin

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Colombia is one of the most recognized coffee origins in the world. When people imagine “the perfect cup of coffee,” they’re often picturing the balanced sweetness, gentle acidity, and classic aroma that Colombian beans are famous for. But why is Colombian coffee so special? And what makes our Colombia Tintico – Excelso Grade Organic Coffee such a beautiful example of that tradition?

In this deep dive, we’ll explore what sets Colombian beans apart, how geography and climate influence the cup, and why our Tintico Single Origin is one of the most versatile coffees you can brew at home.

It Starts With Geography — The Andes Shape the Flavor

Colombia’s coffee doesn’t happen by accident. Three massive mountain ranges, known as the Andean Cordilleras, cut directly through the country. These mountains produce:

  • High altitudes
  • Volcanic soil
  • Clear wet/dry seasons
  • Steep slopes are perfect for coffee farming

Our Colombian Tintico comes specifically from the regions of Antioquia and Quindío, part of Colombia’s historic “Coffee Axis.” These areas are known for producing balanced, sweet, approachable coffees that people love to drink daily.

At altitudes between 1,100 and 1,500 meters, the coffee cherries ripen slowly. Slower ripening = more complex sugars = better flavor. This is why Colombian coffees often carry:

  • Caramel sweetness
  • Almond and cocoa notes
  • Bright yet smooth citrus acidity

These flavors aren’t added — they’re the natural result of altitude + climate + careful farming.

Colombia’s Coffee Varieties — Bourbon, Caturra, Typica

Our Tintico Single Origin includes some of Colombia’s most iconic Arabica varieties:

Bourbon

Sweet, gentle acidity, caramel tones.

Caturra

A naturally occurring mutation of Bourbon. Brighter acidity, floral hints.

Typica

Clean, sweet, traditional “classic” coffee structure.

Together, they create the ideal Colombian cup profile:
balanced • sweet • smooth • gently fruity

If you’ve ever had a Colombian coffee that just felt “right,” chances are it came from a mix like this.

What Does “Excelso” Mean — And Why It Matters

“Excelso” is a Colombian grading term that refers to bean size, not quality.

  • Excelso = screens 15/16 (medium-large beans)
  • Supremo = screens 17+

Both can be specialty quality. In fact, Excelso lots often produce some of the most balanced cups because they include a mix of these classic varieties in perfect harmony.

For roasting, Excelso beans perform beautifully — they heat evenly and allow nuanced flavor to develop. That’s why we chose Excelso for our Tintico.

Flavor Profile — What You’ll Taste in Our Colombia Tintico

Expect a cup that is:

Sweet & Comforting

Caramel, almond, and cocoa dominate the body.

Bright but Smooth

A gentle grapefruit-citrus lift gives the coffee life without being sharp.

Perfectly Balanced

Medium acidity + medium body = the “classic Colombian profile.”

Incredibly Versatile

Tintico works beautifully as:

  • Drip
  • Pour-over
  • Espresso
  • Aeropress
  • Moka Pot

It’s one of the few origins that works for everyone at the table.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Colombian Coffee

If you want to bring out the best in Colombia Tintico, start here:

Grind Size

  • Drip or Pour-over → medium
  • Espresso → fine
  • French Press → coarse

Fresh grinding is one of the biggest flavor upgrades you can make.

Brew Ratio

A great starting point is 1:16.
(Example: 20 grams of coffee → 320 grams of water)

For stronger brews, try 1:15.

Water Temperature

Aim for 195–205°F (90–96°C).

Method Recommendations

  • Pour-over brings out the citrus and caramel notes
  • Drip brews a clean, everyday cup
  • Espresso gives you a sweet, chocolatey shot with a citrus touch

This is the kind of coffee that tastes good no matter how you brew it.

Why Freshness Matters — A Quick Note

You mentioned possibly writing about “The difference between fresh and old coffee” — here’s a little piece you can optionally keep in this blog or use as a future article:

Fresh Roasted Coffee = More Flavor

Coffee has natural oils and aromatic compounds. Once roasted:

  • The beans begin to release CO₂
  • Aromas slowly fade
  • Oxygen begins breaking down flavor

That’s why supermarket coffee tastes flat — it’s already months old.

At Cumbre Coffee, we roast to order, so your Colombia Tintico arrives:

  • Fresh
  • Aromatic
  • Full-flavored

As it should be.

Taste Why Colombian Coffee Has Become a World Favorite

If you love a classic, balanced, smooth coffee — this is it.

👉 Shop Colombia Tintico – Excelso Grade Organic Coffee (Single Origin)
https://cumbre.coffee/product/colombia-coffee-tintico/

Perfect for mornings, hosting guests, holiday gatherings, or daily brewing. Available in multiple sizes, with grind options to match your brewing style.