Colombia — Luis Enrique & Robinson Cuellar Gesha

Tastes Like — 🫐 Blueberry • 🍇 Plum Jam • 🌸 Floral

DETAILS

• Producers: Luis Enrique Cuellar & Robinson Cuellar
• Farm: Finca La Pradera
• Region: Santa María, Huila, Colombia
• Varietal: Gesha
• Process: Washed (with mucilage retention)
• Altitude: 2050 masl (estimated for Santa María, Huila)
• Size: 250g

INTRO — The Powerhouse Brothers of La Pradera Return

Colombian coffee never stops delivering, and Finca La Pradera exemplifies why. The Cuellar brothers are back with another exceptional Gesha lot—this time showcasing a slightly different processing approach that emphasises blueberry sweetness and plum jam richness. What makes this particularly exciting is the price point: exceptional Colombian Gesha without the astronomical cost.

Luis Enrique and Robinson continue their complementary partnership, with Luis Enrique handling agronomy whilst Robinson specialises in post-harvest processing. Their biggest crop is Pink Bourbon, but they've also dedicated significant acreage to Gesha, Caturra, and Pacamara—each variety receiving the same meticulous care that's made La Pradera a standout producer in Huila.

THE PRODUCER — The Cuellar Brothers & Finca La Pradera

Luis Enrique and Robinson Cuellar represent modern Colombian coffee farming at its finest. The brothers have divided responsibilities based on their individual strengths—Luis Enrique manages the plots, varietals, and overall agronomy, whilst Robinson oversees processing and drying. This specialisation allows each brother to focus entirely on what he does best, resulting in consistently exceptional quality.

Whilst Pink Bourbon remains their primary focus, their Gesha plantings demonstrate their commitment to cultivating exceptional varieties. Growing Gesha at La Pradera's elevation—approximately 2,050 metres in Santa María, Huila—provides ideal conditions for the variety to develop its characteristic floral complexity and fruit-forward sweetness.

The brothers' approach to farming extends beyond just producing great coffee. They pay pickers wages significantly above the regional average to ensure only perfectly ripe cherries are selected. This investment in quality from harvest through processing is evident in every cup.

THE PROCESS — Washed with Strategic Mucilage Retention

This lot's processing differs slightly from traditional washed methods through the strategic retention of some mucilage during depulping. The brothers use a "demucilaginator" machine that allows precise control over how much mucilage remains on the parchment—adding body and sweetness whilst maintaining the clarity associated with washed processing:

• 🍒 Selective Harvesting — Only fully ripe cherries picked by well-compensated pickers
• ⏱️ 24–48 Hour Cherry Fermentation — Whole cherries ferment for up to two days
• ⚙️ Controlled Depulping — "Demucilaginator" machine removes pulp whilst leaving some mucilage intact
• 🏠 Greenhouse Drying — Coffee dries in greenhouse structures for 15–20 days

The 24-to-48-hour cherry fermentation develops fruit complexity before depulping, whilst the mucilage retention adds a layer of sweetness and body that distinguishes this from fully washed coffees. The greenhouse drying protects the coffee from weather fluctuations whilst allowing controlled, gradual moisture removal over the extended 15-to-20-day period.

THE CUP — Blueberry Sweetness with Jammy Depth

This is Colombian Gesha at an accessible price point—no compromise on quality, just exceptional value. The cup is chock-full of blueberry and plum jam character, with soft florals providing elegant lift. The slight mucilage retention during processing contributes to a rounder, sweeter cup profile compared to fully washed Geshas.

Flavour Notes

• 🫐 Blueberry — intense, sweet berry character that dominates the cup
• 🍇 Plum Jam — jammy, concentrated fruit sweetness adding depth
• 🌸 Floral — gentle floral notes providing elegance without overwhelming

The body is fuller than you'd typically expect from a washed Gesha—that strategic mucilage retention adds weight and presence whilst the cup maintains the brightness and clarity that make washed coffees so appealing. The finish is sweet and lingering, with those blueberry notes extending beautifully.

This is proof that exceptional Colombian Gesha doesn't have to break the bank. The Cuellar brothers' expertise, combined with their focus on value alongside quality, makes La Pradera one of Huila's most exciting producers. Whether you're a Gesha aficionado or trying the variety for the first time, this lot delivers complexity, sweetness, and satisfaction in equal measure.