COLOMBIA, Catalina Vasquez, Finca La Secreta, Bolivar, Antioquia

Producer: Catalina Vasquez. 

Growing altitude: 1700-2050m above sea level.

Botanical variety: Caturra, Colombia.

Process: Washed.

Tasting notes: Molasses, vanilla, clove, mirabelle, orange, papaya flavours.

Roast date: 4 June, 2026

Antioquia is one of Colombia’s 32 departments, located in the country’s northwestern region, where the Andes mountain range stretches across dramatic valleys and mountainous terrain, with a narrow corridor reaching the Caribbean coastline. Nestled near the city of Ciudad Bolívar, Finca La Secreta sits within this rich and diverse landscape, an environment renowned for producing exceptional specialty coffee.

The farm spans more than 30 hectares, with 25 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation and the remaining land preserved as protected natural reserve. The reserve is home to an abundance of native flora and wildlife, while the surrounding forests play a vital role in protecting the region’s water sources, supplying fresh water to the wider community around the farm.

At elevations reaching 1,950 meters above sea level, the combination of altitude, climate, and biodiversity creates ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality specialty coffee.

Traditionally, coffees from this region are processed using the fully washed method. After harvesting, the cherries are pulped and fermented overnight for approximately 12–18 hours. The coffee is then thoroughly washed, with immature beans carefully removed before drying begins. Drying typically takes between 8 and 15 days in traditional parabolic dryers — rustic structures fitted with transparent roofing that maximize heat retention and airflow, allowing for consistent drying even during overcast or rainy conditions while protecting the coffee from excessive direct exposure during peak sunlight hours.