Colombia Suspiros

This lot features Tabi, a variety developed by Colombia's National Coffee Research Institute, CENICAFÉ, to boost yields and improve resistance to disease. CENICAFÉ released Tabi to much fanfare in 2002, but then released its Castillo variety just three years later. In less than a decade, the Castillo variety became the most common coffee variety in Colombia, and Tabi was virtually obsolete.. When Libardo Pepicano planted it at his Suspiros farm, he joined a small but growing movement of quality-focused growers who are reviving Tabi for its combination of cup quality, yield, and disease resistance. This lot jumped off the table when we first tasted it in Colombia back in November. We have been eagerly awaiting its arrival ever since.

The Colombia Suspiros, sourced from producer Libardo Pepicano, represents a compelling look at the Tabi varietal. Cultivated within the diverse landscapes of Colombia, this offering highlights the meticulous work of individual producers in the region. As a coffee roaster, Intelligentsia Coffee focuses on highlighting the unique characteristics inherent in such specific lots.

When evaluating coffees like this, it is helpful to consider how varietal and terroir influence the final cup. Tabi, a cross between Bourbon, Typica, and Timor Hybrid, is often noted for its distinct profile, which can be explored further using the flavor wheel to identify nuanced notes. By focusing on the specific contributions of Libardo Pepicano, this coffee serves as an excellent example of the quality emerging from Colombian farms. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding the intersection of origin and plant variety is essential to appreciating the complexity found in every brew.