La Union

ORIGIN: Colombia
REGION: La Unión, Nariño
ALTITUDE: 1700–2100 MASL
VARIETAL: Caturra, Castillo, Colombia
PROCESS: Washed

La Unión is one of Nariño’s most celebrated coffee-growing municipalities, known for its steep mountainsides, volcanic soils, and unique microclimates shaped by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. Coffees from this region are highly regarded for their vibrant acidity, complex fruit notes, and refined sweetness.

Smallholder farmers across La Unión cultivate coffee on plots averaging 1–2 hectares, often intercropped with maize, plantain, and other crops that sustain both soil health and family livelihoods. At elevations ranging from 1700 to over 2100 MASL, cherries ripen slowly, developing layered flavour complexity and distinctive clarity in the cup.

Harvesting is carried out by hand, with great care taken to select only the ripest cherries. Farmers typically depulp the cherries on-site, followed by fermentation in small tanks or tiled channels. After washing with clean water, the coffee is dried either on raised beds or on patios under careful supervision to protect quality despite Nariño’s unpredictable weather.

La Unión’s reputation stems  from the dedication of its farming community. Families have passed down their knowledge for generations, continuously refining their practices while staying true to traditional methods.

Expect a cup marked by lively citrus and red fruit brightness, medium body, and a lingering panela-like sweetness. A quintessential expression of Nariño, La Unión coffees embody the balance of tradition, altitude, and meticulous care.