FARM : El Recinto
REGION : Santuario, Risaralda
ALTITUDE  :  1700 - 1900 MASL
VARIETAL  : Castillo
PROCESS  : Extended Fermentation Washed

We’re thrilled to introduce Los Castaño, a family that has been crafting exceptional coffee for generations, with a legacy that is deeply rooted in the rich soil of Santuario, Colombia. The Castaño family story spans decades, with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation passed down through the hands of Alfredo, Eunilver, and Daniel.

Alfredo, the fourth of five brothers, is a certified CQI Level 2 Coffee Quality Processor. His meticulous approach to processing, from fermentation to drying, has allowed the family’s coffees to reach new heights of expression. With the expertise he’s developed over the years, Alfredo has been able to scale up production, improving both the quality and economic potential of their three adjacent farms. Together with his wife, July Andrea, and their young daughter, Alfredo works to create a brighter future for his family while preserving the natural resources of their land.

Eunilver, the eldest brother, focuses on the production side of things, ensuring that every step—from planting to harvest—is executed with precision. He is also responsible for the community coffee lot, El Regional, which represents the flavors and varieties typical of the region. This coffee, grown on their 27-acre farm, is a testament to the family’s commitment to improving both the quality of their coffee and the lives of the people around them. Most of their farm is kept wild to curb deforestation, protecting biodiversity and water sources—a practice that reflects their deep respect for the environment.

Daniel, at just 19, is already carving out his path in the coffee world. A photographer and videographer, Daniel is documenting his family's journey and developing his own microlots at El Futuro, the farm his father built in 2007. It’s here that Daniel is honing his skills, experimenting with roasting, brewing, and even barista techniques. His passion for coffee is matched only by his drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the specialty coffee world.

The family’s journey has been one of resilience. From battling the devastating effects of Colombia’s civil conflict in the late 90s to navigating economic hardships in the 2000s, the Castaños have faced countless challenges. But through it all, they’ve continued to invest in their land, their community, and their craft. Their dedication has been transformative, not just for their own family but for the larger community of coffee growers in the region. In 2012, Alfredo, Eunilver, and other local farmers founded the Asocafe Tatama, an association focused on producing high-quality specialty coffee. With the support of the community and organizations like Socodevi, the Castaños have helped elevate the region’s reputation in the specialty coffee world.

Today, the Castaño family is poised to define the future of Colombian coffee. Their deep knowledge of the land, their commitment to sustainable farming, and their forward-thinking approach to coffee processing have made them leaders in the field. This release is a celebration of their hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to producing some of the finest coffees in Colombia. Los Castaño is more than just a coffee—it's a story of passion, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.