Posted Fri Sep 28, 2007, 2:13pm Subject: What's Up with Coffee in Colombia?
I'm just a few days back from Cartagena (work, a conference), and I'm puzzled by the coffee culture there.
I never had a really fine cup anywhere and a decent one only in the airport in Bogota during a layover. Even that one which was made in an espresso machine (Colombians usethe brands we all know and some ones I've never before seen, such as Sibilla.) compared to a nice napoletana brew.
Their much recommended--by a Colombian--Juan Valdez franchise (very like a North American coffee shop, might have the same consultants) gave me a sour, crema-free espresso. I still have some beans from there to try, both press pot and espresso. But skepticism has set in.
Mostly the coffee I was served was weakish, stale drip prepared in a Bunn or similar machine. The locals appear to drink it black (tinto) or more commonly with milk (con leche). In the end, I switched to con leche to make it more bearable.
Did I not find the right places? Or is my impression correct that the pride of Colombians in the reputation of their coffees has diminished their interest in preparing it really well?
(I say this with all humility. I hope some Colombian will set me straight. And I don't think the Colombians are the only ones who don't respect coffee preparation. I find the same thing in France. Maybe the con leche/au lait way of drinking it shows that neither country really likes coffee as such.)
Beto Senior Member Joined: 18 Nov 2002 Posts: 101 Location: Maryland Expertise: Pro Roaster
Espresso: Cimbali M30 Grinder: Major Drip: Chemex Roaster: Ambex YM15
Posted Sun Sep 30, 2007, 9:06am Subject: Re: What's Up with Coffee in Colombia?
In my experience, it's hard to find a decent cup in many coffee-producing countries. Brazil is pretty much the same way. The coffee that stays in country, with few exceptions, is inferior to that which is exported. Economically, that makes sense since the local market can't pay the prices that importing countries pay. But that's not much consolation when you're left drinking crap in a place that you know grows stellar coffee.
MikeG Senior Member Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Seattle Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Mar 31, 2008, 2:58pm Subject: Re: What's Up with Coffee in Colombia?
Next time in Colombia I recommend getting in touch with Luis Velez of Amor Perfeito. Luis purchases and roasts Colombian CoE's and other boutique lots with hope of showing Colombia what their coffee is capable of. Luis is also very intimate with the Colombian coffee industry on all levels, and will gladly point you in the right direction.
Juan Valdez is owned and operated by the Colombian coffee council, Federación Nacional de Cafeteros.
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