/048 Colombia — Castillo

Another stunner coffee brought to us by our good friend Herbert, who also supplied the banging earlier 004 and 013, 018, 28, 035, 047—and it won’t be the last coffee he shares with us.

We met Herbert, one of the initiators of LaReb, at the Danish Coffee Festival in early 2020, and we became instant buddies. After that first meeting in Denmark, we planned to meet again soon, either in Colombia or the Netherlands. Herbert finally visited the roastery in Spring 2022 and 2024, where we cupped dozens of coffees and, of course, had pizza. One of the standout coffees we cupped was this one from Albeiro. It immediately won us over with its vibrant notes of red apple, caramel, and a rich, sweet profile—an absolute delight in the cup.

The Story

LaReb — La Real Expedición Botánica — is a radical producer-owned export co-operative and movement. Their goal is to develop de-colonised supply chains and operate outside the typical multinational pathways of coffee, and it’s a mission that really resonates with us. By pooling together collective knowledge, financing, quality, export, and import, LaReb members are able to define their own terms of engagement.

It’s amazing to work with Herbert and the team, and we know we’ll continue to grow our purchasing relationship over the years.

Washed Process

• Overripe picking, 24 h closed in-husk resting
• 36 h anoxic dry mass fermentation
• Marquesina drying during 20 days