Luis and Mildred Montoya

Luis and Mildred Montoya operate the farm La Arboleda, located in the high-altitude region of Urrao, Antioquia, Colombia. The farm sits at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, a climate that provides the necessary conditions for the cultivation of high-quality specialty coffee. The property was originally purchased by Luis and his brother in 1980, at which time it functioned as a commercial coffee and bean farm. The management of the estate transitioned to Luis and his daughter, Mildred, around 2010, marking a significant shift in the farm's operational focus toward the specialty market.

A pivotal moment in the farm's history occurred when the Montoyas decided to plant the Chiroso variety. Chiroso is a landrace variety, often described as having Ethiopian origins, which has gained significant attention in Colombia for its unique cup characteristics. By pivoting to this specific variety, the Montoyas aligned their production with the growing demand for high-scoring, distinct specialty coffees that offer complex flavor profiles, such as notes of mulberry, peach, and lemon.

In addition to their choice of variety, the Montoyas are noted for their meticulous approach to processing. They utilize a technique known as cochadas, a form of underwater fermentation conducted in stainless steel tanks. In this method, coffee cherries are added to the fermentation tanks throughout the week and are subsequently washed together on a specific day, typically a Monday. This process is designed to build textural complexity and a distinct, vibrant character in the final cup.

The farm's practices reflect a commitment to quality control, including the hand-picking of cherries and a floating process to ensure only the highest quality fruit is selected for processing. These efforts have positioned their coffee as a notable example of the specialty output emerging from the Urrao region, which has become a focal point for roasters seeking high-quality Colombian lots.

For the specialty coffee industry, the work of Luis and Mildred Montoya represents the evolution of traditional Colombian farms into specialized, high-value production units. Their partnership with international roasters, such as SEY Coffee, has brought their specific lot of Chiroso to a global audience, highlighting the impact that variety selection and controlled fermentation can have on the sensory experience of the drinker.

The story of La Arboleda is one of generational transition and adaptation. By moving away from commercial-grade production and embracing the technical requirements of the specialty sector, the Montoyas have secured a place within the competitive landscape of Colombian coffee. Their ongoing work in Urrao continues to be a subject of interest for those tracking the development of the Chiroso variety and the refinement of regional processing methods in Antioquia.