Colombian Coffee and Culture

Colombia has a reputation for being one of the happiest countries in the world. So, what's the key to happiness? Is there something in the coffee?

Unfortunately, due to its mass exportation of coffee beans, the very best usually ends up outside of the country, however, coffee culture plays a strong role in the national happiness of the Colombian people. Unlike some European countries, where the culture surrounding coffee is one of a grab-and-go nature, in Colombia drinking authentic Colombian coffee has different connotations entirely. In Colombian coffee culture, the hot beverage has taken on a much more social role, it is the foundation of Colombian social society. It is very common for Colombians to meet up with friends and family over a cup of coffee in rural areas and older people natter away the hours in the day over a cup. Even in work environments, the role coffee takes is obvious, it is used to help with mental nourishment  and is offered in meetings. These key differences aren’t the sole key to total happiness, but as you can see, coffee plays a vital role in Colombian’s enviable happiness.

Colombian coffee is to be enjoyed and savoured, not to be used as an aid to get you through the day, and to stay awake. In Colombia, coffee is usually consumed in much smaller cups – often small plastic cups of sweetened black coffee, known as tinto - This way of drinking coffee has shown a lower number of Colombians suffering from the negative aspects of drinking too much and therefore, being able to simply enjoy the positives of good quality coffee.

In many ways the coffee culture of Colombians could be compared to the culture of Tea in the UK. Colombian Coffee symbolises more than just a hot drink; it is an important characteristic of national identity. It brings people together, creates friendships and relationships, and provides for thousands around the country.

The flavour of Colombian Coffee is very diverse. Each coffee region produces coffee that tastes slightly different from the next. To the Northern regions of the country, such as Santa Marta and Santander, the lower altitude and higher temperatures result in coffee with full body and deeper notes. 

In the central coffee regions of Antioquia, Caldas, and Quindio, the coffee tends to be well-rounded with a more nutty and chocolatey flavour along with a gentle sweetness and a mellow acidity. Whereas, in the coffee regions to the South such as Nariño, Cauca, and Huila, the higher elevation tends to produce coffee that has a stronger acidity, floral aromas and a complex flavour profile. Colombian coffee is generally a bit weaker than other coffees. That being said, Colombia coffee has a gentler flavour and is superior to some of the stronger, more bitter varieties of coffee grown around the world.