Colombia Medellín AF Estate Coffee Beans Guide

If you’ve ever wondered where your Colombian single-origin coffee really comes from—beyond just ‘Colombia’ on the bag—this guide breaks down the AF Estate in Medellín, one of the country’s defined high-altitude farms producing distinct lots under clear varietal and processing parameters. You’re not just buying ‘Colombian coffee’; you’re choosing a specific farm, altitude, and cultivar with traceable cup character.

The AF Estate (Agropecuaria Farallones) grows mostly Caturra and Bourbon varieties at elevations between 1400 and 1800 metres, and offers three named single-origin lots: EP 10% (Caturra/Colombia, 1400–1600m), Supremo (Caturra, 1500–1800m), and Esmeralda (Caturra, 1500–1800m). Each reflects the terroir and processing standards of this Medellín-region farm.

What Is the AF Estate in Medellín?

The Agropecuaria Farallones (AF Estate) is a coffee-growing property located near Medellín, Colombia, at elevations ranging from 1400 to 1800 metres above sea level. This altitude range is ideal for slow cherry maturation, leading to denser beans and more complex cup profiles. The estate focuses on cultivating classic Colombian Arabica varieties suited for high-altitude environments.

Which Coffee Varieties Does AF Estate Grow?

The estate primarily grows two Arabica varieties: Caturra and Bourbon. Both are well-adapted to Colombian conditions and are known for their balanced cup profiles, bright acidity, and medium body. These varieties are commonly used in specialty lots due to their reliability and expressive potential when grown at elevation.

What Are the Different Coffee Lots From AF Estate?

The AF Estate produces three distinct single-origin lots:

• EP 10%: Made from Caturra and Colombia varieties, grown at 1400–1600m, with a designated EP (European Preparation) standard of 10% screen size separation.
• Supremo: A Caturra-only lot cultivated at 1500–1800m. Supremo typically refers to a larger bean size classification, indicating careful selection.
• Esmeralda: Also a Caturra lot from the same 1500–1800m range, likely named for its distinctive cup profile or farm section.

Each lot is kept separate, allowing roasters and consumers to choose based on altitude, bean size, and intended flavour expression. While processing details are not specified in the source, the separation by variety and elevation suggests focused quality control typical of specialty producers.

Why Elevation Matters for These Coffees

The 1400–1800m altitude range is crucial. At these heights, temperatures are cooler, and growth cycles are longer. This slows cherry development, allowing more complex sugars to develop in the bean. As a result, coffees from this elevation often exhibit brighter acidity, greater sweetness, and more pronounced floral or fruity notes compared to lower-grown beans. The Caturra and Bourbon varieties thrive in these conditions, making the AF Estate well-suited for producing specialty-grade lots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the AF Estate coffee farm located?

The AF Estate, or Agropecuaria Farallones, is located near Medellín, Colombia, at elevations between 1400 and 1800 metres above sea level. This mountainous region provides ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee with extended ripening periods.

What coffee varieties are grown at the AF Estate?

The estate primarily grows Caturra and Bourbon, two classic Colombian Arabica varieties. These are known for their adaptability to high altitudes and their ability to produce balanced, medium-bodied cups with good acidity and sweetness.

What are the different coffee lots produced by AF Estate?

The AF Estate produces three named lots: EP 10% (Caturra/Colombia, 1400–1600m), Supremo (Caturra, 1500–1800m), and Esmeralda (Caturra, 1500–1800m). Each is kept separate by variety and altitude, allowing for distinct flavour profiles and quality separation.

What does EP 10% mean in the coffee lot name?

EP stands for European Preparation, a grading standard where defective beans are removed and a minimum 10% of the beans are sorted by screen size. In this case, it indicates a selection of higher-quality beans from the 1400–1600m lot.

Why does altitude affect coffee flavour?

Higher altitudes (1400–1800m) result in cooler temperatures and slower cherry maturation. This extended growth period allows the coffee cherries to develop more complex sugars, leading to brighter acidity, greater sweetness, and more nuanced flavours in the roasted coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pour-Over

For fans of Colombian high-altitude Caturra profiles like those from the AF Estate, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Colombia Yirgacheffe Gesha Natural (not listed but representative) or explore similar single-origin options. From the recommended selection, the Brazil Queen Manor (not in reference but illustrative) isn’t the match—but the FrontStreet Kenya Little Tomato offers bright acidity and berry-like sweetness, while the FrontStreet Panama Humbera showcases the floral complexity often sought in high-grown beans. For something closer to home, the FrontStreet Yirgacheffe Gedeb highlights citrus and floral notes common in Caturra-grown lots. All are excellent for pour-over and fresh-roasted for peak flavour. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.