Colombia, Santiago Patiño

Santiago Patiño, a third-generation coffee grower, owns El Ocaso Farm, a 30-hectare plot in Salento, Quindio. Purchased by his grandfather and father in 1985, the farm initially produced both cattle and coffee and a few years later they moved to entirely producing coffee. By 2004, they focused solely on coffee, specialising in traditional Colombian varieties and selling to local cooperatives.

In that same year, El Ocaso Farm began experimenting with natural and honey processing methods, as well as other fermentation techniques. This approach proved successful, and after completing his business studies, Santiago focused on improving the coffee production process at the farm. By consulting with coffee experts and applying his own acquired knowledge, he redesigned fermentation protocols and created new ones. These innovations resulted in complex flavour profiles that highlighted the unique taste of their coffees. Additionally, Santiago introduced a range of exotic varietals to the farm, including Gesha, Sidra, Tabi, Caturra, Papayo and SL28.

El Ocaso is managed using regenerative agricultural practices, including organic methods. One such practice involves the use of microorganisms to control leaf rust and borer beetles. Additionally, the farm maintains a compost area where organic waste, including coffee husks, is collected and transformed into organic compost for use in the coffee plantations.

The shade trees on El Ocaso create a microclimate that sets the farm apart from its surroundings. This shade system provides organic matter to nourish the soil and protects the coffee plants from direct sunlight. The cooler climate allows for slower coffee cherry maturation, resulting in a higher concentration of sugars and ultimately, higher-quality coffee profiles.