Why Colombian Coffee Is the Best: Flavor, Quality & Growing Regions

If you ask a hundred coffee lovers what the best coffee in the world is, at least ninety-nine of them will tell you the same thing: Colombian coffee. The other one? Probably still drinking instant coffee and needs to be educated.

Colombia has built a reputation for producing some of the smoothest, richest, and most flavorful coffee on the planet. But why? What makes Colombian coffee the gold standard? Why does every coffee connoisseur swear by it?

Let’s break it down—from the volcanic soil to your mug—while throwing in some hard-hitting coffee facts, a little history, and a whole lot of appreciation for El Bandido, 40 Thieves Coffee’s own Colombian masterpiece.

Why Colombian Coffee Is the World's Favorite?

Colombian coffee is famous because it delivers the perfect balance of acidity, body, and flavor. It’s smooth yet complex, rich but never overpowering. It’s the coffee equivalent of that effortlessly cool guy who always looks put together without trying.

But why does Colombian coffee taste so much better than the rest?

☕ Arabica Beans Only – While some countries bulk up their coffee with lower-quality Robusta, Colombia plays no games. 100% Arabica means a smoother, more flavorful coffee with notes of chocolate, fruit, and nuts instead of bitterness and regret.

☕ Grown in Perfection – The high-altitude regions of Colombia create slow-maturing coffee cherries, which develop deeper, richer flavors. Think of it like aging a fine wine—good things take time.

☕ Hand-Picked with Love – Colombian coffee is hand-harvested, meaning only the ripest cherries make the cut. No machines, no shortcuts—just generations of expertise in every bag.

☕ A Year-Round Coffee Paradise – Thanks to Colombia’s diverse microclimates, coffee can be grown and harvested all year long. That means fresher, better-tasting beans compared to other regions with limited harvest seasons.

Simply put: Colombian coffee doesn’t miss.

Where Is Colombian Coffee Grown?

Colombian coffee isn’t just from Colombia—it’s from some of the most pristine, coffee-growing land on Earth.

One of the crown jewels of Colombian coffee production? Tolima.

Tolima Coffee: Where Legends Are Grown

Altitude: 1,500-2,100 meters (aka prime coffee-growing elevation)
Flavor Notes: Dark chocolate, mango, peach, and a touch of magic
Process: Washed and sun-dried for maximum flavor clarity
Varietals: Caturra, Castillo, and Tipica—elite-tier beans

This region doesn’t just produce coffee; it crafts masterpieces. And when you sip El Bandido, our signature Colombian medium roast, you’re tasting the very best of Tolima in every single cup.

What Makes Colombian Coffee So Good?

Aside from the fact that it comes from a literal paradise for coffee growing, here’s what sets Colombian coffee apart:

1. The Perfect Altitude & Climate

Higher altitude = sweeter, more complex coffee
Just the right amount of rain = happy coffee plants
Volcanic soil = natural nutrients for elite coffee flavor

2. The Arabica Advantage

Colombian coffee never settles for less—100% Arabica or nothing.
No harsh bitterness—just smooth, flavorful sips every time.

3. Expert Craftsmanship

Hand-picked cherries ensure only the best make it through.
Traditional drying and processing preserve maximum flavor.

Colombian coffee isn’t just good—it’s crafted to perfection.

How Is Colombian Coffee Planted and Harvested?

You don’t just plant a coffee seed, water it, and wait for the magic to happen. Colombian coffee farming is an art.

Step 1: Planting & Growing

Coffee trees take 2-3 years to mature, developing their complex flavors.
Many farms use shade-grown techniques, allowing for slower maturation and better flavor development.

Step 2: Hand-Picked Harvesting

While other countries use machines to strip-pick entire branches, Colombian farmers carefully select each ripe cherry by hand.
It’s slower, but quality always wins over quantity.

Step 3: Washing & Drying

Colombian coffee is washed, fermented, and sun-dried to bring out its unique sweetness and complexity.
This traditional method results in clean, bright flavors that make every sip a masterpiece.

This is why when you drink El Bandido, you’re tasting generations of skill, tradition, and expertise—not just a regular cup of coffee.

El Bandido: The Colombian Coffee You’ve Been Waiting For

Now, let’s talk about El Bandido.

Medium Roast – Smooth, bold, and balanced.
Flavor Notes – Dark chocolate, mango, peach, and caramel.
Grown in Tolima – One of Colombia’s premier coffee-growing regions.
Grown Naturally – Pure, high-quality coffee the way it was meant to be.

El Bandido isn’t just good Colombian coffee—it’s Colombian coffee done right.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Colombian Coffee

Why Is Colombian Coffee So Good?

Because nature and craftsmanship align perfectly. High altitudes, volcanic soil, Arabica beans, and hand-harvesting = the perfect cup.

Which Brand of Colombian Coffee Is Best?

If you made it this far, you already know: El Bandido by 40 Thieves Coffee.

Where to Buy Colombian Coffee Beans?

Right here, where quality is guaranteed—shop El Bandido now.

Arabica Coffee vs Colombian Coffee—What’s the Difference?

It’s a common question: Is Colombian coffee the same as Arabica coffee? Short answer? Yes and no.

Think of it like this—all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.

All Colombian coffee is Arabica coffee, but not all Arabica coffee is Colombian. Arabica is a species of coffee plant, while Colombian coffee is a specific type of Arabica grown in Colombia under some of the most ideal conditions on the planet.

Let’s break it down:

What Is Arabica Coffee?

Arabica coffee is the gold standard of coffee beans. It makes up about 60-70% of the world's coffee production and is known for its:
✔️ Smooth, balanced flavors with hints of fruit, chocolate, and nuts
✔️ Lower bitterness compared to Robusta coffee
✔️ Higher acidity, which enhances complexity and depth of flavor

Arabica is grown all over the world, including Ethiopia, Brazil, Kenya, and Guatemala. But just because coffee is Arabica doesn’t mean it’s high quality.

What Makes Colombian Arabica Better?

Colombia elevates Arabica coffee to an entirely new level thanks to:

☕ Perfect Altitude & Climate – The high elevations (1,500-2,100 meters) of regions like Tolima create slow-growing coffee cherries that develop richer flavors. Lower-altitude coffee? It just doesn’t compare.

☕ Volcanic Soil – The rich, mineral-packed soil acts like a natural fertilizer, enhancing the coffee’s complexity with deep chocolatey and fruity notes.

☕ Hand-Picked Perfection – Unlike mass-produced Arabica from some regions, Colombian coffee is hand-harvested to ensure only the ripest cherries make the cut.

☕ Washed & Sun-Dried Processing – Colombia specializes in washed coffee, a process that removes impurities and enhances clarity of flavor. Many other Arabica-producing countries use the “natural” method, which can sometimes result in earthy or fermented flavors.

Colombian Arabica vs. Regular Arabica—The Verdict

Drinking Arabica coffee is good.
Drinking Colombian Arabica coffee is elite.

While any Arabica can be smooth and flavorful, Colombian Arabica is grown, harvested, and processed with an unmatched level of expertise and tradition. It’s why Colombian coffee consistently ranks among the best in the world.

And when it comes to the best of the best? That’s where El Bandido by 40 Thieves Coffee steps in—sourced from the legendary coffee-growing lands of Tolima, roasted to perfection, and crafted for coffee drinkers who won’t settle for average.

So if you're wondering which to choose—go with Colombian Arabica. Better yet, go with El Bandido. Your taste buds will thank you.

Best Colombian Coffee?

The one you’re about to order from 40 Thieves Coffee.

A Thieves' Final Thoughts: Why Colombian Coffee Reigns Supreme

If you love coffee, you owe it to yourself to experience Colombian coffee at its finest. No gimmicks, no bitterness—just smooth, flavorful perfection.

And when you’re ready to level up your morning routine, you know what to do: Grab a bag of El Bandido, brew it up, and taste the best coffee in the world.

☕ Drink like a legend. Drink 40 Thieves.

A Thieves' Sources:

Why Colombian Coffee Is the Best Coffee in the World