From Heritage to High Innovation: The Legacy of Finca Nogales Specialty Coffee
At Motobean, every exceptional specialty coffee we source carries a story worth telling. Our Colombia Typica Nogales is no exception — in fact, its history is one of the most inspiring in our entire lineup. Spanning three generations of resilience, vision and transformation, the Hernández family has turned a humble farm into a Cup of Excellence winner and a benchmark for innovation in Colombian coffee.
The Foundation: A Dream in Huila
The story of Finca Nogales, perched high in Pitalito, Huila, began nearly 80 years ago. Ricardo Hernández and Concepción Castillo set out to build a life on the land with a single dream: to make their mark in Colombia’s coffee history.
Their dedication shaped the lives of their eight children, all raised with the values of hard work and connection to the land. Among them was the youngest son, Ricaurte Hernández, born in 1952 — the visionary who would redefine the future of Nogales.
The Visionary and the Cup of Excellence
Ricaurte devoted his life to farming, embodying generosity, humility and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside his wife, Suldery Arango, whose passion for coffee matched his own, he expanded the farm’s influence and pushed for better cultivation and processing practices.
Their commitment paid off in 2005 when Finca Nogales won First Place in Colombia’s Cup of Excellence, the country’s most prestigious coffee competition. This achievement propelled the farm onto the global stage and cemented its reputation for producing world‑class specialty coffee.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
In 2013, tragedy struck when Ricaurte’s life was cut short by violence in the Colombian countryside. The family faced immense grief and uncertainty, even considering selling the farm.
But Ricaurte’s youngest son, Oscar Fernando, refused to let the legacy fade. With a background in environmental management and a fierce dedication to honouring his father’s work, Oscar stepped forward to lead Nogales into a new era.
Under his guidance, the farm has become a modern hub for specialty coffee innovation, with a strong focus on:
- Technological advancement
- Environmental conservation
- Sustainable farming practices
- Experimental processing
This spirit of innovation is what led to the creation of the Low‑Caffeine Washed + Sourdough Fermentation process used in our Typica Nogales offering — a method that showcases the farm’s commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting tradition.
When you taste Typica Nogales, with its bubble gum, banana and candy‑like sweetness, you’re tasting far more than flavour. You’re experiencing eighty years of resilience, vision and family heritage.
Experience the Taste of Legacy and Innovation
You can find the Colombia Typica Nogales on our website now. Brew a cup and celebrate the extraordinary journey of the Hernández family — a story that continues to shape the future of specialty coffee.