Colombia - Tabi Washed

Génova native Leonid Ramirez has dedicated much of his life to coffee. Raised in a traditional coffee-growing family in one of Colombia’s most renowned coffee regions, he developed a deep connection to the land and the craft from an early age. After the loss of his father during childhood, Leonid began working to help support his family, taking on work as a chapolero (coffee picker) while still attending school. Those early experiences in the fields gradually grew into a lasting passion for coffee cultivation and production, shaping the path he continues to follow today.

In 2003, Leonid purchased his own farm, Cortina de Hierro, a 4-hectare property sitting at nearly 1900 meters above sea level in the hills of Génova. The farm is planted with traditional Colombian varieties including Caturra and Castillo, with shade trees spread throughout the property.

From the beginning, Leonid focused on improving the health of the farm and the quality of the coffee. He removed eucalyptus trees that were depleting the soil, renewed older coffee trees, and gradually invested in better farming and processing practices. Those efforts helped his coffees gain recognition in regional specialty coffee auctions and quality competitions.

Since 2016, Leonid has partnered closely with our friends at Cofinet deepening his work in specialty coffee through innovative processing and experimental fermentation techniques. Together, they’ve continued to push quality and consistency forward, helping shape the distinctive character his coffees are known for today. What stands out most about Leonid’s coffee is the steady commitment behind it. Decades of experience, careful farm management, and a willingness to keep improving have made Cortina de Hierro a respected producer in the region. Cortina de Hierro is very much a family operation. Leonid works alongside his uncle and cousins, who help oversee the day-to-day work across the farm.

At Big Shoulders, our goal is simple: roast the coffee in a way that lets Leonid’s work speak for itself. Careful roast development highlights the coffee’s sweetness, balance, and complexity while preserving the character built through farming and processing at Cortina de Hierro. The result is a clean, expressive cup that reflects both the quality of the farm and the care taken in roasting.

Despite all the attention to details that specialty coffee requires, Leonid still enjoys coffee the traditional way, a simple tinto sweetened with panela after a long day of work on the farm.