Specialty Colombia Hertson Bernal arabica

Species: Arabica Variety: Cenicafé 1 Process: Washed, aerobic fermentation Altitude: 1,800 masl Screen Size: 16+ Region: Huila Producer: Hertson Bernal Martines Category: Specialty Coffee

Profile

Region Colombia

Origin & Producer

Farm La Esperanza is nestled in the lush Huila region of Colombia and has been under the care of Hertson Bernal since 2006. Hertson’s journey began with determination, entrepreneurship, and a deep passion for coffee. Together with his brother Jesús, he transformed an abandoned farm into a thriving specialty coffee estate built on quality and long-term vision.

From rebuilding the infrastructure to replanting with high-performing varieties such as Cenicafé 1, Hertson’s commitment has resulted in exceptional coffees with distinctive flavour profiles. His success is reflected not only in cup quality, but also in the strong involvement of his family and local community in this sustainable project.

About the Variety, Cenicafé 1

Cenicafé 1 is a modern Arabica cultivar developed by Colombia’s national coffee research center, Cenicafé. It was created through selective crossbreeding to provide high resistance to coffee leaf rust, making it well suited for sustainable farming at medium and high altitudes.

In the cup, Cenicafé 1 rivals classic varieties such as Caturra and Castillo, offering vibrant acidity, berry-like sweetness, floral complexity, and a silky mouthfeel. These characteristics are clearly expressed in Hertson Bernal’s carefully processed lot.

Why Buy This Coffee
• Single-origin specialty coffee from Huila, one of Colombia’s most celebrated regions
• Full traceability, from farm to cup
• High-scoring SCA coffee, 87.5 points, with creamy body and complex fruity-floral notes
• Cenicafé 1, a modern variety balancing cup quality and sustainability
• Positive social impact through family farming and local employment
• Ideal for filter and espresso lovers seeking balance and elegant sweetness