Héctor Londoño

Héctor Londoño is a coffee producer operating in the Urrao municipality of Antioquia, Colombia. His farm, Santa Catalina, is situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level, a high-elevation environment that provides the necessary conditions for the development of complex flavor profiles in coffee cherries. Londoño has gained recognition in the specialty coffee sector for his focus on the Chiroso variety, an Ethiopian landrace that has recently become a focal point for producers and roasters in the Antioquia region.

The production at Santa Catalina is characterized by a high degree of technical precision. The harvesting process involves hand-picking cherries at their peak ripeness, followed by a flotation step to remove any low-density or defective fruit. This commitment to quality control is a hallmark of Londoño’s approach to farm management, ensuring that only the highest-quality cherries proceed to the processing stage.

Londoño’s processing methodology for his washed lots is rigorous and multi-staged. After the initial harvest and sorting, the cherries are held in-cherry for two days. Following this, the coffee is de-pulped and subjected to an underwater fermentation process that lasts for an additional three days. This extended fermentation period is designed to influence the final cup profile, contributing to the bright, tropical acidity and floral notes that have become associated with his harvests.

Once fermentation is complete, the coffee is washed and moved to raised beds for drying. The drying process is carefully monitored until the moisture content reaches 10.5%, a standard that ensures stability and quality during storage and transport. This meticulous attention to detail from harvest through drying is what distinguishes Londoño’s output in the competitive specialty market.

For the specialty coffee industry, Londoño’s work represents a significant contribution to the ongoing exploration of regional varieties. By focusing on Chiroso, Londoño provides roasters and consumers with a clear example of how specific landrace varieties, when grown in the unique microclimates of Urrao, can produce distinct sensory experiences. His partnership with specialty roasters, such as SEY Coffee, has helped bring his specific lots to a wider international audience.

Ultimately, the story of Héctor Londoño is one of specialized production within the Colombian coffee landscape. By combining traditional high-altitude farming with precise, modern processing techniques, he has established Santa Catalina as a notable source for high-quality, variety-specific coffee. His work continues to be a reference point for those interested in the potential of the Chiroso variety and the evolving standards of quality in Antioquia.