Why 94 Celcius chooses Colombia for its specialty coffee: Terroir, Innovation and Trusted Partnerships
At 94 Celcius, we've found an exceptional terroir and set of conditions in Colombia that make its coffee irreplaceable in the world of specialty coffee. Colombia isn't just another choice for us; it's the backbone of much of our selection, thanks to its rich soil, deep-rooted coffee culture and modern innovations that redefine taste possibilities.
The riches of Colombian soil
Colombia is unique in the coffee world for several reasons. Situated along the Equator, it enjoys stable temperatures throughout the year, with well-balanced rainy and dry seasons. These conditions enable the coffee trees to produce two harvests a year, a rare advantage in world coffee production, guaranteeing freshness and consistent quality.
Colombia's mineral-rich volcanic soils provide Arabica coffee plants with essential nutrients, giving them distinctive characteristics. Grown at high altitude, coffee beans benefit from an optimal environment for developing intense aromas. The climate and altitude also help to reduce acidity and produce coffees with balanced, refined notes. These characteristics make Colombia an ideal region for specialty coffees renowned for their subtle, complex flavours.
A coffee culture rooted in tradition
Colombia has a long tradition of high-quality coffee production, and coffee growing is an integral part of everyday life in many rural areas. L'Eje Cafetero (the Coffee Triangle), a UNESCO cultural heritage site, is a symbol of this tradition. In towns like Manizales, Pereira and Armenia, coffee is much more than a culture; it's a living heritage, handed down from generation to generation.
Colombian coffee growers harvest coffee beans by hand, selecting only the ripest beans to ensure optimum quality. This process, known as "recolección selectiva," is a key element in the exceptional quality of Colombian coffee. At 94 Celcius, we value this artisanal know-how, which produces a coffee with very fine flavor profiles, ranging from floral and fruity notes to chocolate and caramel nuances.
Colombian Innovation in Specialty Coffee
Beyond its terroir and traditions, Colombia is also a breeding ground for innovation in the world of specialty coffee. Producers such as Wilton Benitezone of our partners, are adopting innovative fermentation methods to explore new taste profiles. Using controlled fermentation processes, Wilton and other producers experiment with specific enzymes and yeasts, opening up new aromatic and taste dimensions. These modern techniques enable us to create coffees with lively flavors, where fruity, tropical and sometimes even floral notes emerge with intensity, offering a unique tasting experience.
Another example is our collaboration with Unblendeda company that emphasizes purity of taste by ensuring that each coffee comes from a specific terroir, without blending. At Unblendedcoffee is much more than a drink. For them, it's a ritual that connects consumers to the deep-rooted pleasures of food and drink, reminding us of what makes us human. Inspired by this vision, they have built authentic relationships in the coffee industry, believing that strong ties are the foundation of a quality supply chain.
Unblended works tirelessly to offer the very best in coffee, dedicated to excellence and mastery at every stage. Every coffee they produce, design or source is designed to enrich consumers' sensory experience, highlighting both the intensity of flavors and the stories behind each coffee. In addition to supplying green coffee beans of exceptional quality, Unblended considers its roasters to be essential partners, supporting them to deliver a remarkable tasting experience.
In its quest for the purest coffee, Unblended is committed to growing alongside its partners, valuing both the know-how of their producers and the role of their roasters, and thus guaranteeing a sustainable and humane supply chain.
Forest Coffee: Collaborating for Sustainability
In addition to innovation, Colombia is strongly committed to sustainable development, and Forest Coffeeour long-standing partner, is a perfect example. Forest Coffee supports small producers by providing them with resources to adopt ecological farming practices, aimed at preserving local soils and ecosystems. This partnership enables us to ensure full traceability of our coffee, and to contribute to the development of a coffee culture that respects the environment and local communities.
Colombia's place on the international stage
Colombia's reputation in the world of specialty coffee is solid and growing. Its visibility is particularly high at international events such as the World Barista Championship (WBC)where Colombian coffees are regularly selected by baristas for their unique characteristics. This success is due to a combination of factors: Colombia's rich terroir, its constant innovations in coffee growing and processing, and its commitment to sustainability.
Colombian grains are appreciated for their crisp acidity and their delicate aromasThese qualities enable them to shine in competitions where the intensity and complexity of flavours are paramount. Colombian coffees are often recognized for their ability to express aromatic profiles that adapt perfectly to the most diverse preparation methods, whether espresso or mild extraction, highlighting fruity, floral and sometimes even chocolate notes. This versatility makes it a preferred choice for baristas wishing to offer a sophisticated, nuanced tasting experience.
Colombia also owes its international success to the techniques of innovative fermentation and modern farming practices that have become widespread in recent years. Colombian growers, supported by partners such as Forest Coffee and Wilton BenitezThey experiment with controlled fermentation methods, specific yeast cultures, and other processes to sublimate the natural characteristics of the beans. This dedication to quality and innovation makes Colombian coffees a benchmark not only for lovers of specialty coffee, but also for industry professionals, who see in them an infinite potential for creation.
Colombia's commitment to sustainability also contributes to its growing popularity. The country has taken steps to support environmentally-friendly farming practices, and small-scale producers are encouraged to adopt ecological methods that preserve biodiversity while maintaining exceptional coffee quality. This ethical choice attracts consumers who are sensitive to environmental issues, and adds to Colombia's positive reputation on the international scene.
Colombia continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading producers of specialty coffee. With a rare balance between tradition and innovation, and an approach focused on sustainability, it offers the international market coffees of unrivalled complexity and richness.
Conclusion: A Genuine, Enduring Commitment to 94 Celcius
As a roaster, 94 Celcius strives to select coffees that tell a story, a passion, and showcase sustainable agricultural and artisanal practices. Colombia is a natural choice for us, not only for the exceptional quality of its beans but also for the trusted relationships we've developed with partners like Wilton Benitez, Unblended, and Forest Coffee.
Thanks to these collaborations, we have access to a variety of coffees that showcase Colombian terroir in all its richness and diversity. Whether through fruity flavors, floral aromas or chocolate notes, each cup of Colombian coffee we offer reflects the dedication of those who grow it and the beauty of a unique terroir.
Colombia will continue to be at the heart of our mission at 94 Celcius, as it embodies what we look for in specialty coffee: unrivalled quality, a deeply-rooted culture, and a forward-looking, sustainable vision.