Castillo – Honey – SCA 87.50

About This Coffee

The Castillo Honey Process represents the pinnacle of what careful cultivation and expert processing can achieve. With an exceptional SCA score of 87.5 points – our highest-scoring coffee – this lot demonstrates that varietal prestige matters less than terroir, processing expertise, and attention to quality.

This coffee challenges conventional wisdom about the Castillo varietal. Through meticulous honey processing and optimal growing conditions, it has achieved a cup quality that rivals – and often surpasses – more celebrated varietals. SCA-certified cuppers have recognized this achievement with a score of 87.5 points, placing it among the elite tier of specialty coffee.

Tasting Profile

The honey process has amplified this Castillo’s inherent characteristics while adding layers of complexity rarely found at any price point. The result is a cup of remarkable depth and sophistication.

Acidity: Bright and structured, with tropical fruit vibrancy
Body: Syrupy and luxurious, coating the palate
Sweetness: Intense and complex, featuring honey, caramel, and stone fruit
Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, with lingering sweetness

Tasting Notes: Honey, stone fruit, tropical fruit, caramel, brown sugar, citrus zest

The Honey Process

Honey processing, also known as pulped natural, is a meticulous method that requires precise timing and constant monitoring. After depulping, varying amounts of the sticky mucilage (the “honey”) are left on the bean during drying. This creates:

– Enhanced sweetness and body
– Complex fruit characteristics
– Syrupy mouthfeel
– Balance between natural and washed profiles

The honey process is labor-intensive and risky – requiring perfect weather conditions and constant attention to prevent over-fermentation. When executed properly, as with this lot, the results are extraordinary.

Origin & Terroir

Region: El Águila, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Farm: Llanogrande
Varietal: Castillo
Altitude: 1820 – 1870 meters above sea level
Soil: Volcanic, mineral-rich

Redefining Castillo

While Castillo was developed primarily for disease resistance, this coffee proves the varietal’s potential when grown at optimal altitude and processed with expertise. The combination of volcanic soil, proper elevation, and meticulous honey processing has unlocked characteristics that challenge assumptions about what Castillo can achieve.

This lot demonstrates that processing method and terroir can be more influential than varietal genetics in determining cup quality.

 SCA Score: 87.5

This coffee has been evaluated by Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certified cuppers and achieved an exceptional score of 87.5. This places it in the elite tier of specialty coffee:

• 80-84.99 Specialty grade
• 85-89.99: Exceptional specialty grade
• 90+: Elite/competition grade

At 87.5 points, this coffee ranks among the finest specialty coffees available, regardless of varietal or origin.

Brewing Recommendations

A coffee of this caliber deserves careful preparation to showcase its complexity.

Pour Over (V60, Kalita) – Highlights complexity and clarity
Chemex – Emphasizes sweetness and clean finish
AeroPress – Versatile extraction for different profiles

Pro Tip: This coffee rewards experimentation. Try different ratios and temperatures to discover your preferred expression of its complex profile.

Why Don Gildo

Specialty-grade coffee with verified SCA scores | Exclusive microlots from selected producers | Direct relationships with Colombian coffee farmers | Transparent sourcing and quality standards | Fast shipping throughout the United States

Ideal For

Specialty coffee connoisseurs | Those seeking exceptional value in high-scoring coffee |Honey process enthusiasts | Coffee professionals and cuppers | Anyone who appreciates complexity and craftsmanship | Challenging preconceptions about coffee varietals | Special occasions and discerning guests