Kolumbien La Unión Castillo – Washed

Caramel, molasses, and orange form a sweet and balanced cup with silky texture and enough body to feel comforting without losing freshness. It is clean and approachable enough for everyday drinking, while retaining sufficient definition to reveal the character of its origin.

Orange introduces well-integrated citrus vibrancy. Caramel provides softness, while molasses contributes deeper sweetness, creating a versatile profile for both filter brewing and espresso.

Flavor Profile

• Main notes: caramel, molasses, and orange
• Acidity: medium, citrus-driven, and juicy
• Body: medium to full, silky, and rounded
• Aftertaste: sweet and persistent, with caramel and citrus impressions
• Overall profile: clean, sweet, juicy, and balanced

The cup opens with soft, recognisable caramel sweetness. Molasses adds depth and a more enveloping sensation, while orange brightens the profile with fresh and pleasant acidity.

As the coffee cools, the cup becomes juicier and its citrus character grows clearer while retaining a stable and approachable structure.

Origin and Processing

This coffee comes from La Unión, in the Colombian department of Nariño, and combines lots from four small farms managed by Carlos Alberto Valdés Belalcázar, Gildardo Bravo Castillo, Luis Eduardo Adarme Viveros, and Luz Dary Ordoñez Martínez.

The coffee trees grow between 1,550 and 1,856 m.a.s.l. The elevation, mountainous conditions, and gradual ripening encourage concentrated sweetness and clearly defined citrus acidity.

Coffee is cultivated alongside plantains, avocados, citrus fruits, corn, and cassava. These crops can provide natural shade, protect the soil, and create additional sources of income for the producing families.

The Castillo variety is well adapted to Colombian growing conditions. With careful cherry selection and precise processing, it can produce clean, sweet, and structured coffees.

During washed processing, the fruit and mucilage are removed before drying. This creates an organised and transparent cup in which caramel, molasses, and orange remain clearly distinguishable.

Why You’ll Love It

• Recognisable sweetness: caramel and molasses provide a comforting foundation
• Balanced freshness: orange adds vibrancy without aggressive acidity
• Silky texture: rounded body that is easy to enjoy
• Highly versatile: suitable for filter, espresso, moka pot, and milk drinks

Ideal for

• V60: highlights orange, juiciness, and clarity
• Origami: produces a sweet, aromatic, and balanced cup
• AeroPress: enhances silky body, caramel, and molasses
• Espresso: creates a rounded, sweet extraction with good structure
• Milk espresso: caramel and molasses integrate well with milk
• Moka pot: produces an intense, sweet, and comforting brew

Technical Details

• Origin: Colombia
• Region: La Unión, Nariño
• Lot type: combination of four small farms
• Producers: Carlos Alberto Valdés Belalcázar, Gildardo Bravo Castillo, Luis Eduardo Adarme Viveros, and Luz Dary Ordoñez Martínez
• Species: Arabica
• Variety: Castillo
• Processing: Washed
• Altitude: 1,550–1,856 m.a.s.l.
• SCA score: 86
• Tasting notes: caramel, molasses, and orange
• Texture: juicy, silky, and full
• Profile: clean, sweet, rounded, and balanced

Summary

A sweet and versatile Colombian Castillo with caramel, molasses, and orange. Washed processing provides clarity, while its silky texture and rounded body make it suitable for filter brewing, espresso, moka pot, and milk-based drinks.