Castillo: Where Resilience Meets Flavor
The varietal behind EXP009
Castillo is Colombia’s most celebrated modern coffee varietal, bred for both resilience and flavor. Developed by Cenicafé after 23 years of research and released in 2005, Castillo is the result of crossing Caturra with the Timor Hybrid. It was designed to resist devastating diseases like leaf rust and coffee berry disease, while preserving the cup quality Colombia is known for. Today, Castillo accounts for nearly half of Colombia’s coffee production, replacing older varieties such as Typica and Bourbon.
Farmers embrace Castillo for its high yields, compact plant structure that allows dense planting, and adaptability across diverse Colombian climates. Cenicafé developed six distinct strains like Castillo Naranjal in Caldas, Castillo Paraguaicito in Quindío, and Castillo Santa Bárbara in Cundinamarca, each tailored to regional conditions, ensuring both resilience and diversity in Colombia’s coffee landscape.
In the cup, Castillo is known for its smooth body, clean aroma, and lively citric acidity. Flavor notes often include red apple, raspberry, citrus, and lemon blossom, complemented by floral undertones. With skillful farming and processing, Castillo can achieve exceptional quality. Blind taste tests have shown it performs on par with traditional varieties like Typica, Bourbon, and Caturra. In fact, comparative sensory trials in Colombia found Castillo and Caturra to score similarly, with some Castillo samples exceeding 90 points.
Roasting highlights its versatility: lighter roasts showcase bright acidity and delicate fruit notes, perfect for pour-over or Chemex brewing, while medium-to-dark roasts soften acidity and accentuate chocolate, caramel, and smooth body, making it ideal for espresso and milk-based drinks.
Castillo’s importance extends beyond the cup. By reducing farmers’ reliance on fungicides, it supports more sustainable and cost-efficient farming practices. It is also a safeguard against climate and pest challenges, representing a preventive approach to the evolving threats coffee faces. For producers, it is a dependable partner; for roasters and drinkers, it is proof that resilience and flavor can thrive together.
When you brew Castillo, you’re tasting a varietal born from innovation, strengthened by resilience, and celebrated for its flavor—bright, balanced, and unmistakably Colombian.
References
Molina Ospina, A. K. (2017, June 13). Coffee varieties: Debunking the myths around Castillo. Perfect Daily Grind.
MTPak Coffee. (2022, March 17). Castillo coffee: A roaster’s guide to coffee varieties.
El Amigo Coffee. (n.d.). Super coffee: The Castillo variety.
Kota Coffee. (n.d.). Castillo varietal.