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Los Nogales – Caturra “Primitivo”

Rare & Exclusive

Los Nogales, Huila, Colombia – Advanced Washed Caturra “Primitivo”

– “An exemplary representation of modern advanced processing, masterfully executed by the gifted brother and sister duo, Oscar and Angie Hernandez.

What to expect in the cup

Raspberry, rose, panna cotta. Strikingly sweet, reminiscent of a velvety vanilla dessert, enhanced by a vibrant acidity of juicy berries and an elegant floral finish.

£22.00£80.00

Angie Hernández, the youngest member of her family at 24 years old, is an industrial engineer dedicated to exploring the field of microbiology. Her focus lies in investigating fermentation techniques that yield a cup of exceptional quality. She operates from a laboratory situated in the mountainous region of Bruselas, utilizing the coffee plantations cultivated by her father as her experimental grounds. The Hernández family treats the coffee plants as integral members of their household, providing them with the necessary care and attention to ensure that their efforts, driven by science, labor, and affection, culminate in the success they enjoy today. The process commences with the careful selection of high-quality seeds, followed by a balanced and natural diet enriched with organic matter and microbiological elements, which are essential for developing the desired sensory attributes of the coffee. Hernández aims to convert the organic matter available on the farm into organic fertilizers, thereby ensuring optimal nourishment for each coffee plant, ultimately resulting in superior quality beans. Over 30 collectors, representing more than 30 families, contribute to this endeavor, each trained prior to the harvest to gather ripe fruits and accurately select the best produce. The harvested beans are transported in fruit baskets designed to maintain their freshness, preventing any damage during transit to the mill. This specific lot, known as “Primitivo,” consists entirely of the Caturra varietal and undergoes a Washed Thermal Shock process, which involves immersing the beans in 80°C hot water for 20 seconds, followed by rapid cooling in cold water for 3 to 5 minutes. This method effectively breaks down sugars and pasteurises the beans, resulting in a sweet, dessert-like flavour profile. Subsequently, the beans are sealed in tanks with Mossto for 120 hours, a final fermentation stage that significantly impacts the coffee’s flavor and acidity. Finally, the fermented beans are sun-dried for 15 days to achieve the desired moisture content of approximately 10%.
Nestled within the lush terrain that nurtured the coffee seed, amidst the grand and verdant mountains of Colombia’s largest corregimiento, Brussels, lies the “Los Nogales” farm in the village of El Diamante. The warmth of the local farmers, the crisp mountain air, and the rugged landscape shrouded in dense clouds create an environment steeped in the legacy of the Hernández family, which has thrived among the coffee fields. For five generations, this family has cultivated a deep-rooted affection for the land and coffee, a passion that continues to this day. Approximately 80 years ago, as the district of Brussels was beginning to take shape, Ricardo Hernández and Concepción Castillo arrived from Nariño to fertile yet unclaimed lands, grateful to those who would become their guardians and pioneers in the coffee industry. Upon discovering this idyllic setting, they chose to establish their family, resulting in the birth of eight children who devoted their lives to agriculture. Among these siblings, one emerged as a leader, ensuring the family’s enduring legacy in the coffee world. Ricaurte Hernandez, the youngest son of Ricardo Hernandez and Concepción Castillo, was born in 1952. As a farmer, he cultivated not only the land but also the values of generosity, humility, and resilience. His lifelong vocation was coffee farming, and he aspired to raise his children on his farm, instilling in them the principles he cherished. Ricaurte met his life partner, Suldery Arango, in Valle del Cauca. An enterprising woman with a deep-rooted passion for coffee, she joined him in building a coffee empire alongside their children: Olga Lucia, John Fredy, Liliana, Nancy, Paola, Oscar Fernando, Patricia, and Angie Julieth. His leadership qualities earned him the position of president of the community action board, reflecting his dedication to both his community and his cooperative efforts. However, in the 1990s, they made the decision to venture into farming and migrate to Caquetá. After selling their farm, they faced challenges in the cattle business, which ultimately led them back to their original land, where they found immense joy. In 2005, Colombia made a significant impact on the global coffee industry with the introduction of the inaugural “Cup of Excellence” competition, which featured over 280 entries. Among these, the Los Nogales farm, managed by Ricaurte Hernández, secured the top position, as its coffee was deemed the finest by a panel of international judges. Ricaurte was dedicated to enhancing the coffee sector through innovative approaches, emphasizing the value of specialty coffee, exploring sustainable soil management practices, and seeking new marketing strategies. This passion for the industry was instilled in his children, who would eventually bear the weight of this legacy. Unfortunately, the backdrop of violence in rural Colombia affected this narrative as well. On February 17, 2013, while en route to the Los Nogales farm, Ricaurte was tragically killed by armed groups, becoming yet another victim of the persistent violence that afflicts the nation. As a trailblazer in high-quality coffee production, he remains an enduring symbol of resilience and determination, leaving a lasting legacy for the countless farmers reliant on coffee cultivation. His family’s grief resonated throughout the country, prompting them to sell the farm in pursuit of a better life for their mother. Nevertheless, the youngest son, Oscar Fernando, who was serving in the National Navy at the time, chose to abandon his military career to uphold his father’s remarkable legacy.