Roaster Notes (Planados)

Discover the Hidden Gem of Colombian Coffee: Planadas Tolima

Nestled in the heart of the Central Andes Mountains of Tolima, Colombia, lies a remote coffee-producing region unlike any other. Surrounded by the majestic Parques Nacionales Natural Nevado and the Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera De Los Pichachos mountain ranges, Planadas Tolima is a place where the coffee is as rich and vibrant as the landscape itself.

Journey to Planadas Tolima is no easy feat. With limited access and a 12-hour road trip from the province capital, Ibague, this region has been largely forgotten, left to fend for itself in a conflict zone controlled by the FARC for many years. Yet, despite the challenges, the people of Planadas Tolima have persevered and produced some of the finest specialty coffee in all of Colombia.

At altitudes ranging from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level, the coffee grown in Planadas Tolima is truly special. The volcanic soil, combined with the fresh mountain streams, creates a unique terroir that imbues the coffee with a rich and full-bodied flavour. Notes of, citric and lemon, deep chocolate, and carmel all come together in a wonderfully balanced cup with excellent acidity and an amazing aftertaste.

The coffee of Planadas Tolima is produced using only the finest artisanal methods. The beans are fully washed and fermented for up to 3 hours, sun-dried, and hand-selected for ripeness before being packaged for the world to enjoy. With an average regional cupping score of 85-88, this coffee is truly some of the best in the world.

The Planadas area is home to 48 coffee-producing hamlets and 6821 small farms ranging from 5 to 6 hectares. While it is renowned for its specialty micro-lot coffees, Planadas Tolima is quickly gaining a reputation for its high-quality commercial community coffees. So why not take a sip of something truly special and discover the hidden gem of Colombian coffee: Planadas Tolima.