Top 7 Best Colombian Coffee Bean Brands Reviewed

Quick summary

Volcanica Colombian Supremo Coffee Medium roast coffee with flavors containing rich swiss chocolate, orange blossom floral notes, and clean tangerine acidity. 5 best overall Check Price

Cooper's Colombian Dark Roast Dark Roasted Coffee beans with Rustic sweetness, a hint of cocoa and dark fruit notes 4.5 Check Price

AmazonFresh Colombia Whole Bean Coffee Medium Roasted 100% Arabica coffee grown in Colombia with subtle citrus aroma and hints of cocoa and brown sugar flafour notes. 4.5 Check Price

Are Colombian coffee beans the best?
Are they the strongest?
Should you buy some?

The Best Colombian Coffee Beans in 2021: Everything You Need to Know

Сolombian Coffee Beans History and Current Production

As of 2019, Colombia produced nearly 1.8 billion pounds of coffee or 13.5 million bags. The figures help the country remain among the top three worldwide producers and exporters. However, along with the market leader, Brazil, Colombia is also a major coffee consumer. The number of small farms exceeds 500,000. And over two million people are connected to the industry, making coffee a crucial part of local culture, even though the beans were only introduced here in the late 18th century.

The coffee industry took a while to grow and evolve, as local farmers were not overly fond of the new crop. The trees took five or more years to start producing cherries, and many farms refused to grow them. Still, once the demand skyrocketed, the agricultural industry rose to the challenge, and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia was established. The growers came together to create industry standards and protect all market players, from growers to exporters.

Climate change has been affecting Colombian farms in recent years, limiting the crops. The pests and diseases have an equally devastating effect on the industry. Still, Colombia remains a major coffee producer and exporter, adopting Fair Trade and Organic agriculture principles to remain competitive on the ever-expanding market.

Сolombian Coffee Growing Regions

With a large territory, Colombia boasts three established growing regions in the North, Central, and South parts of the country. However, a new farming region has been established in the east in recent years.

Central regions are home to the Colombian Coffee Triangle (otherwise known as Coffee Belt) made of the Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío subregions. The MAM subregions (Medellin, Armenia, and Manizales) are also among the best Colombian production sites. Thanks to two dry and wet seasons, coffee farms in the Central region harvest the cherries twice a year. And the unique climate conditions result in a fruity cuppa with herbal undertones and vibrant acidity.

Java grown in the North is subjected to one dry and one wet season and is harvested in November. Thanks to colder temperatures and lower elevations, the beans gain chocolaty and nutty notes. Fuller body and lower acidity also mark java from the Northern growing regions.

In the South, the small coffee farms are usually located at higher elevations that extend the ripening period of the cherries and translate into a more complex flavor profile. Harvested in spring or summer, the beans from Nariño, Cauca, and Huila subregions are known for their bright acidity and citrus notes.

Despite the varying growing conditions, including humidity, temperature, soil composition, and elevation, Colombian coffee is considered the best in the world. It boasts a unique combination of features with a medium body and acidity merging to create a bold and powerful flavor.

Сolombia Coffee Export

Over half of the Colombian coffee is grown on small farms and harvested by hand. Instead of using the fully washed method, the local growers developed a dry pulping technique that cuts down the water requirements by 90 to 95 percent. The beans are sun-dried on the rooftops of small farms or in parabolic beds and polytunnels (at higher elevations). Once the ideal moisture level is achieved, the beans are packaged and sold to roasters worldwide.

Similar to Brazil, Colombia has relied heavily on coffee export to supplement the national economy. As a result, the country has to follow international trends and regulations to remain competitive. This means that more farmers than ever are turning towards sustainable practices and offer organic products free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. If you prefer organic groceries, pay attention to labels. Or you could just read on and learn which of the popular brands offer organic beans

Сolombian Coffee Types

Arabica is the primary, if not exclusive, product of the Colombian java industry. The country possesses a uniquely favorable combination of natural factors that ensure stable growth and yield of this variety. However, not all Arabica trees are the same. Several dozen cultivars are grown across the globe, and four of those make for most of the Colombian harvest:

• Typica is one of the most widespread Arabica varieties that originated in Ethiopia. Typica was prevalent in Colombia until the 1940s, but it’s getting replaced by newer varieties that are less susceptible to coffee diseases and boast a larger yield. Still, Typica grown at higher elevations turns into a delicious brew.
• Bourbon is another major Arabica variety that’s been cultivated in Latin America since the 1860s. The tall trees are susceptible to major coffee diseases and provide a low yield, but their outstanding cupping qualities make the beans a long-time favorite of many roasters.
• Caturra is a natural one-gene mutation of Bourbon Arabica that was discovered in the 1910s. Dwarf-sized trees provide a higher yield and can be planted closer together in full sun, resulting in a bigger crop. For decades, Caturra made up half of Colombia’s plantations, though it is now being replaced with Castillo, which is more resistant to leaf rust.
• Maragogipe is a natural mutation of Typica plants that produces huge beans with very good cup quality. While the tall trees are not resistant to leaf rust or other diseases and produce low yields, Maragogipe beans are considered specialty-grade coffee.

Thanks to a huge annual production of Arabica crop, Colombian beans are a common attribute of many java blends. They help lower the price while serving as a nice background for rare varieties.

How Is Authentic Colombia Coffee Different from Other Single-Origin Beans?

Our Top 7 Picks for Best Colombian Coffee Beans

Just a quick reminder before we start: this shortlist is based on research and personal experience, but it's still subjective. We provide recommendations based on our best guess of what you might enjoy, but we can't provide a guarantee. Feel free to try these varieties of the best Colombian whole bean coffee and share your thoughts.

Volcanica Colombian Supremo Coffee Review

• Medium roast with floral and fruity notes
• Multiple grind options
• Medium acidity and smooth taste

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Only the biggest of the shade-grown and hand-picked beans make it to the Volcanica package. The brand knows how to bring out the best and brightest qualities of single-origin beans, and this Andeano-grown variety is no exception. You get to enjoy the mellow taste with medium body and pleasant acidity without sacrificing the light sweetness of the floral and fruity notes. The medium roast is perfect for these beans, as it prevents unnecessary bitterness and burnt taste from entering the palate.

The beans are roasted fresh after processing and immediately packaged into 16 oz vacuum-sealed bags. You can get your hands on whole beans, drip, espresso, or French press grind options. According to some reviews, the latter might be the best option if you don't have a home grinder. While we've found several scathing reviews, coffee snobs point out that this coffee requires great brewing skills to perform the best, and French press is the best brewing method, unlike drip, pour-over, or espresso. Getting your hands on fresh beans is another crucial factor in enjoying this variety. Once the "Best before" period lapses, you're better off buying another pack.

Cooper's Colombian Dark Roast Review

• Bold, dark roast
• Small batch artisanal roasting
• Sweet and fruity flavor

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If you've been looking for the elusive combination of a bold flavor with a smooth body, you're in luck. This micro-lot Colombian variety is a work of art because of the Grade 1 beans and the small-batch dark roasting that brings the rustic sweetness and fruit notes to the fore. The whole bean version is perfect for coffee aficionados looking to control the coarseness, but a variety of grind options are also available.

For those worried about sustainability, Cooper's is a solid choice. The company relies on Fair Trade certified imported beans and is a small, family business run by veterans. Their 30-day money-back guarantee is just another proof of how good this roast is. In case you don't like the product, you can contact the company for a full refund. However, our research indicates most buyers are in love with this single-origin bean. Some go as far as to say it's a true Colombian coffee bean taste, unlike the majority of the offers. Beware, falling in love with this coffee might translate into a regular order, as the bag is only 12 oz.

AmazonFresh Colombia Whole Bean Coffee Review

• Extremely affordable
• Medium roast
• Mellow, inoffensive taste

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One of the most popular varieties on Amazon is created with quality Colombian java, medium roasted, and carefully packaged in sealed bags to preserve the freshness of the taste and the aroma. It tastes smooth and mellow, regardless of your preferred brewing style, and this product is suitable to a variety of those, including French press, drip, pour-over, and espresso. Considering the whole beans come in a 32 oz bag (or a 3-pack of 12 oz bags), the price is unbeatable, on a level with big-box stores.

Despite its popularity, the coffee is usually described as bland or generic by true Colombian java lovers. Many Colombian coffee reviews & reviewers complain about the quality of the beans, as they are too dry and brittle, producing an inoffensive flavor that has nothing to do with true Colombian brews. Another thing that annoys many buyers is the lack of the roasting date. The bags only specify the "best before" month and year. Luckily, the price is very affordable, and you can request a full refund within 12 months of the purchase.

Juan Valdez Organic Review

• Medium roast
• USDA certified organic
• Authentic and robust Colombian flavor

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This is a prime choice if you're looking for authentic flavor, aroma, and overall Colombian roast coffee experience. After all, Juan Valdez has been a symbol of the country's coffee industry for over half a century. Every pack under this brand supports thousands of growers and promotes sustainable practices industry-wide. Unlike many alternatives, this coffee is certified organic by USDA and EU regulators, which means the farmers rely on eco-friendly growing and processing practices.

Besides, the coffee tastes incredible. It boasts a bold, robust flavor with a full body and powerful aroma that's sure to wake you up in the morning and provide a much-needed energy boost. The whole beans are medium roasted to preserve the rich flavor and prevent bitterness from spoiling your cuppa. While you can grind this variety to any coarseness, most buyers agree that the French press allows the beans to showcase their best qualities. Pour-over, drip, and espresso are all acceptable too, depending on your preferences.

One look at the packaging is enough to know this coffee is Colombian through-and-through. Unlike US-roasted and packaged varieties, Juan Valdez comes in 17.6 oz (500 g) bags. When you consider the affordable price, increased bag weight, and authentic flavor, this might just have been the best Colombian coffee out there if not for the next item on our shortlist.

Blackwelder Coffee Colombian Review

• Medium-dark roast
• The notes of dark cacao
• Bucaramanga-grown, California-roasted

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Yet another outstanding choice of Colombia-grown and US-roasted java. The tiny California-based family company sources the beans for this variety from Bucaramanga farms, well-known for their top-notch crops. After hand picking and careful processing, the beans are delivered to the US for hand-roasting in small batches. Surprisingly, the medium-dark roast of this single-origin drink does not add bitterness into the mix. Instead, it produces a powerful flavor with notes of cacao and tongue-tingling acidity. The aroma may feel overwhelming at first, but it makes for a perfect morning booster and is well-loved by an army of fans.

You should know another couple of facts about this product before buying it. For one, it isn't cheap, but it is not over-the-top expensive either. However, this only applies to small 1-pound bags. Once you know this is the java for you, invest in a 2-pound or 5-pound packaging for extra savings. Besides, the roast date is specified for each batch online, so you know how fresh your beans will be once you receive the package. This will protect you from getting stale coffee and being disappointed.

We also love the resealable bag that keeps the beans fresh and fragrant even if you don't have a spare airtight container to keep them in. Finally, the packaging is nice enough to make this variety a perfect gift that won't disappoint even the most snobbish of coffee drinkers among your friends.

All things considered, this is our top pick for single-origin Colombian coffee.

Koffee Kult Colombian Huila Fresh Coffee Beans Review

• High-quality Huila beans
• Medium roast
• Chocolate and cinnamon notes

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At Koffee Kult, they know that delicious cuppa starts with quality beans. For this reason, the company sources the coffee from Huila farms that rely on eco-friendly practices and produce organic beans of the top quality. Once in Florida, the beans are crafted into a medium roast in small batches, ensuring the best taste and smell across the board.

The resultant brew is bold and punchy, with notes of cinnamon and chocolate, lighthearted acidity, and sugary finish. It's great for the fans of black coffee, as this variety does not require sugar or milk for outstanding taste. The manufacturer promises you will be lured out of bed in the morning by a single whiff of the mouth-watering aroma.

The whole beans are packaged in a variety of degassed bags, so you can find your perfect package from 12 oz to 5 pounds. The bags are resealable, meaning the java will remain fresh even if you keep it in the original packaging. However, the bags lack the roast date, which has caused the brand to move down the ranks of the best Colombian coffee bean ratings. One reason for this is that batches can smell and taste differently. Some reviewers even complain about receiving old or stale beans, so you should be on the lookout for those.

Peet's Coffee Colombia Review

• Light roast
• A blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans
• Vibrant flavor with stone fruit and passionflower notes

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The only blend on our list, this product combines the powerful Colombian java with the right dose of Ethiopian beans to produce a light but vivid flavor with notes of vanilla, passionflower, and stone fruit. The light roast does not translate into a weak drink. Instead, it brings out the nuanced aroma and flavor that would otherwise be masked by the bitterness and acidity of darker roasts. The blend is perfect for a morning cuppa or a midday pick-me-up if you're not a fan of extremely strong java or take your coffee black.

Another aspect that sets this blend apart from other entries on this list is its pre-ground state. There's no way to buy whole beans, and the medium-fine grounds are not perfect for either an espresso machine or a French press. Although you can use either of these brewing methods, most reviewers recommend pour-over or drip coffeemakers for this variety.

Price is another point of contention among buyers. Some complain about the overpriced product, while others manage to find good deals. Either way, the only available packaging is a 12 oz vacuum-sealed bag that keeps the grounds fresh. The front lists two dates: roasting day and "freshest by" that signifies the deadline for enjoying all the nuances of this blend. It's still drinkable past the date, but the taste might alter and lose some potency.

FAQ

• What Are Less-known Colombian Coffee Facts?

  Tinto is not the same as Colombian coffee you can get your hands on outside the borders. You should definitely try it if you ever visit the country, but remember it's brewed using the low-quality beans that are deemed not good enough for export. Still, 'inky water' is cheap, strong, and available at every corner. Just don't judge the local java by its taste.
  Another indisputable attribute of the Colombian coffee industry, Juan Valdez, while a fictional character, is portrayed by a local farmer. He travels around the world and promotes one of the top Colombian coffee brands, keeping it recognizable. As a result of this advocacy, Juan Valdez coffee shops are extremely popular in Colombia among the tourists and locals alike.
  While still remaining the third biggest coffee producer in the world after Brazil and Vietnam, Colombia has been going through some troubles in recent years. In 2018, the plantations were hit by unfortunate fungal and pest issues that reduced the yield by almost a third. Most farms are now over this crisis, but climate change continues to affect Colombian growers as well as their peers across the globe. The temperature increase and precipitation level changes affect the tender and capricious arabica plants that produce fewer cherries and drive up the prices in an industry that works on tight margins.

• Is Colombian Coffee Strong?

  Despite its popularity, bold taste, and enormous variety, Colombian java is less strong than many other varieties. One reason behind this is the use of arabica beans. Unlike robusta, they contain nearly half the amount of caffeine. Another reason is the Colombian coffee culture that is so unlike American one that's focused on caffeine. In Colombia, coffee is a thing to be shared and enjoyed with friends, not a source of an instant energy boost. Combined, these factors mean that Colombian java is not as strong as robusta and arabica blends. If you're on the lookout for an intense pick-me-up, look elsewhere, but if a superior taste is what gets you going, scroll down for our top recommendation.

• How Do I Brew Colombia beans?

  Considering their pleasant taste, you can take your morning cuppa black, but adding milk, or cream may add another dimension to the flavor. The brewing method is your choice, dependent mostly on your kitchen arsenal and taste. However, Colombian java tastes good when brewed by an espresso machine, a French press, or a drip coffee maker. Some caffeine addicts have experimented with pour-over and Aeropress and have found the results delicious, so you might give it a try. Remember to set the right grinder setting for your preferred brewing method, as the wrong coarseness of the beans can ruin even the most perfect blend and roast.

• Will I Like the Colombian Coffee Taste?

  That's for you to decide after you taste-test a couple of varieties from our list. However, there are a fre ways to make an educated guess. If you like medium body and intense acidity, Colombian coffee is a good fit for your kitchen. If you enjoy citrus, herbal, and floral notes in your coffee instead of traditional chocolatey and nutty notes, you might fall in love with Colombia-grown beans.
  Still, grinding and roasting also affect the taste of your cuppa. This means even the best, hand-picked Colombian beans can be spoiled by poor processing choices. Select the roast that suits your taste and grind the beans before brewing for best results regardless of the country of java origin.