From Heritage to High-Innovation: The Legacy of Finca Nogales Coffee
At Motobean, every exceptional coffee we source comes with a story. The Colombia Typica Nogales is no exception—but its history, spanning three generations of resilience and innovation from the Hernández family, is particularly inspiring. This is the story of a family that refused to quit, transforming a humble farm into a Cup of Excellence winner and a leader in specialty coffee.
The Foundation: A Dream in Huila
The story of Finca Nogales, nestled high in Pitalito, Huila, began approximately 80 years ago. Ricardo Hernández and Concepción Castillo set out to build a life on the land with a singular dream: to make a name for themselves in coffee history.
Their dedication and love resulted in eight children who grew up steeped in the values of the countryside. Among them was the youngest son, Ricaurte Hernández, born in 1952, who would become the family's visionary leader.
The Visionary and the Coffee Cup of Excellence
Ricaurte Hernández dedicated his life to farming, embodying generosity, humility, and entrepreneurial spirit. He found his life partner, Suldery Arango, a woman with a deep passion for coffee, and together they dramatically expanded the farm's influence. Ricaurte was a relentless innovator, always seeking better cultivation and business practices.
Their family's dedication culminated in 2005 when the Nogales estate achieved a monumental success: First Place in Colombia's prestigious Cup of Excellence contest. This victory cemented the farm's reputation for superior quality on the global stage.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
In 2013, tragedy struck when Ricaurte's life was cut short due to violence in the Colombian countryside. Facing immense hardship, the family considered selling the farm.
However, Oscar Fernando, Ricaurte's youngest son, stepped forward. Driven by a fierce dedication to honouring his father's legacy, he took the reins. With a background in environmental management, Oscar didn't just maintain tradition—he pushed boundaries.
Today, under Oscar’s leadership, Nogales is a modern hub for specialty production, focusing intensely on technological innovation, environmental conservation, and sustainability. This legacy of resilience is what drives the experimental processes we see today, such as the unique Low-Caffeine Washed + Sourdough Fermentation process used for our Typica Nogales offering. When you enjoy a cup of Typica Nogales, you're not just tasting bubble gum, banana, and candy notes; you are celebrating the perseverance and visionary spirit of the Hernández family across eighty years of coffee history.
You can find the Colombia Typica Nogales on our website now. Experience the taste of legacy and innovation.