Colombia | Pitalito | Castillo | Washed

Region: Pitalito, Huila 

Elevation: 1349-1740 masl 

About: This washed Castillo lot brings together the work of two producers in Pitalito, Huila: Dionel Chilito López in Buenos Aires, and Maximino Catuche Chilito in nearby El Guamal. Though their farms sit just nine miles apart, the combination of site, elevation, and approach contributes to a layered expression of one of Colombia’s most widely planted varieties. 

Developed by Colombia’s National Coffee Research Center (CENICAFÉ), Castillo was the result of more than three decades of genetic research aimed at creating resistance to coffee leaf rust. Since its release in 2005, it has become central to Colombian coffee production, now accounting for the majority of the country’s annual harvest. Its adaptability across a broad range of elevations has also made it capable of producing diverse cup profiles with strong structure and clarity. 

In the cup, this lot reflects the balance and versatility that have made Castillo such an important part of modern Colombian coffee.

This selection from Proud Mary Coffee highlights a specific lot produced by Dionel Chilito López and Maximino Catuche Chilito in Pitalito, Huila. Located within the Colombia · Pitalito, Huila region, this coffee is grown at elevations ranging from 1349 to 1740 meters above sea level. The producers have utilized the Castillo varietal, a plant widely recognized for its resilience and adaptability in diverse climates.

The coffee undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to emphasize the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean by removing the fruit pulp before drying. While every harvest is unique, washed coffees are often celebrated for their clean profiles and consistent expression of terroir. To better understand how these specific processing and varietal choices influence the final cup, you can reference the flavor wheel to identify the nuanced characteristics present in this Colombian offering.