The story behind this coffee (Huila, Colombia)

This coffee comes from La Piragua, a family-run farm located in the hills of Palestina, Huila. Here, Arley Vargas works closely with his father, Alexander, continuing a family tradition rooted in curiosity, observation, and a deep respect for coffee as a craft.

Alexander began working with coffee at a young age, following his parents into farming before eventually establishing La Piragua as his own project focused on specialty coffee. Today, Arley represents the next generation, bringing a thoughtful, process-driven approach while maintaining the values passed down through his family.

Palestina sits where the Andean mountain ranges meet the Magdalena river valley, an area shaped by volcanic soils, steady temperatures, and subtle microclimates. Coffees from this region are often recognised for their brightness, clarity, and character.

This lot is a Striped Red Bourbon, a naturally occurring variant of the Bourbon variety, easily identified by its deep red cherries marked with delicate orange striping. Beyond its appearance, the variety is prized for its refined sweetness and expressive fruit profile.

The coffee is processed naturally, with cherries harvested only at peak ripeness. Fermentation is carefully guided in stages, combining open and sealed environments to encourage complexity while maintaining balance. Drying takes place slowly in covered sheds over several weeks, allowing the coffee to stabilise and develop clarity without losing vibrancy.

In the cup, this coffee expresses notes of strawberry, orange, and brown sugar, bright and aromatic, yet grounded by a gentle sweetness and clean structure.