ANDRES RAMIREZ Coffee Review: Colombian Excellence

Colombia is synonymous with exceptional coffee, and few names in the modern specialty scene carry the weight of Andres Ramirez. A third-generation producer from the Huila region, Ramirez has earned a reputation for meticulously processed microlots that showcase the best of what Colombian terroir can deliver. Today, we put his coffee under the spotlight with a review of GATARE, a luminous single-origin that embodies everything we love about Colombian excellence.

Huila’s high altitudes, volcanic soils, and consistent rainfall create ideal conditions for growing Arabica, and Ramirez’s dedication to picking only fully ripe cherries and using careful fermentation methods results in a cup that is both vibrant and deeply sweet. In this review, we’ll walk through the aroma, flavor profile, acidity, and body of GATARE, and also explore how it stands alongside another Colombian gem from our roastery, HIMALAYA MARSELLESA. Whether you’re a seasoned pour-over enthusiast or new to single-origin coffees, this review will help you decide if GATARE belongs in your next order.

The Producer: Andres Ramirez and the Huila Legacy

Andres Ramirez farms coffee in the municipality of Pitalito, which sits at around 1,700 meters above sea level in southern Colombia. The region is known for its microclimates and rich biodiversity — factors that contribute directly to the complex cup profiles coffee lovers prize. Ramirez uses a mix of traditional and experimental processing, including extended fermentation in sealed tanks before drying on raised beds. This attention to detail appears in every batch of GATARE. The coffee is typically 100% Caturra variety, known for its bright acidity and clear sweetness when grown at elevation.

What sets Andres Ramirez apart is his commitment to traceability and quality over volume. Each lot is separated by farm section, harvest date, and processing method. This allows roasters like us at THE BARN Coffee Roasters to highlight the unique character of each micro-lot. When you brew GATARE, you are tasting the exact expression of a specific slope and a specific harvest — no blending, no masking. That is the essence of Colombian specialty coffee at its finest.

• Farm location: Pitalito, Huila, Colombia
• Altitude: 1,700 – 1,800 meters
• Variety: Caturra
• Processing: Washed with extended fermentation
• Flavor notes: Citrus, brown sugar, red apple, tea-like finish

Tasting Notes: What to Expect from GATARE

On the nose, GATARE presents a clean, floral bouquet with hints of orange blossom and honey. As it cools, the aroma shifts toward fresh apple and a subtle nuttiness. The first sip delivers a bright, juicy acidity reminiscent of lemon zest and green grape, quickly followed by a rounded sweetness like raw cane sugar. The body is medium-light, with a silky mouthfeel that coats the palate without being heavy.

The finish is remarkably clean — a hallmark of well-washed Colombian coffees. There’s a lingering note of black tea and a whisper of almond, making it extremely approachable yet complex enough for experienced drinkers. This coffee shines as a pour-over using a V60 or Kalita Wave, where you can fully appreciate its clarity. As a filter coffee, GATARE is refreshing and balanced, perfect for morning drinking or afternoon contemplation.

• Acidity: Bright, citrus-forward (7/10)
• Sweetness: Moderate to high, caramel-like
• Body: Medium-light, tea-like
• Aftertaste: Clean, with hints of almond and black tea
• Best brewing method: Pour-over (V60, Kalita) or Aeropress

Comparing Colombian Excellence: GATARE vs. HIMALAYA MARSELLESA

For those exploring Colombian single-origins, it is instructive to compare GATARE with another offering from our lineup: HIMALAYA MARSELLESA. While both hail from Colombia, HIMALAYA MARSELLESA comes from a different producer and region, resulting in a distinctly different cup profile. Where GATARE is bright and tea-like, HIMALAYA MARSELLESA presents a richer, more wine-like acidity with notes of dark berry, chocolate, and a heavier body.

HIMALAYA MARSELLESA is processed using a natural method, which means the coffee cherries are dried with the fruit intact before milling. This imparts more fruit-forward flavors and a syrupy sweetness. In contrast, GATARE’s washed process yields a cleaner, more transparent cup that highlights the bean’s intrinsic acidity and floral notes. Both are excellent, but they serve different moods and brewing styles. If you prefer delicate, nuanced coffees, GATARE is your choice. If you crave bold, fruity intensity, reach for HIMALAYA MARSELLESA.

• GATARE: Washed, bright acidity, tea-like, light body
• HIMALAYA MARSELLESA: Natural processed, wine-like acidity, full body, berry notes
• Both are single-origin Colombian coffees, ideal for different preferences

Brewing Tips for the Perfect Cup

To get the most out of GATARE, use a medium-fine grind and water just off the boil (around 96°C). A standard ratio of 60 grams of coffee per litre of water works well, but feel free to adjust to your taste. We recommend a 30-second bloom with twice the weight of coffee in water, followed by two or three slow, concentric pours. Total brew time should be around 2:30 to 3:00 minutes for a 250 ml cup.

If you are using an Aeropress, try a 1:16 ratio with a 1-minute steep and a gentle press. This method will preserve the coffee’s delicate floral notes while producing a clean, full-bodied cup. For those who prefer espresso, GATARE can also work as a single-origin shot, but be prepared for pronounced acidity and a lighter body — it is best enjoyed as a filter coffee.

• Grind: Medium-fine (like sea salt)
• Water temperature: 96°C
• Ratio: 60 g/L for pour-over
• Bloom: 30 seconds with double water weight
• Total brew time: 2:30 – 3:00 minutes

Andres Ramirez continues to define what Colombian specialty coffee can be, and GATARE is a shining example of his craft. Its vibrant acidity, clean sweetness, and tea-like finesse make it a standout among single-origin offerings. Whether you pair it with a quiet morning or share it with friends, this coffee delivers an experience worth savoring. If you are ready to taste Colombian excellence for yourself, we invite you to add GATARE to your cart and discover why this coffee has earned its place in our roastery's lineup.