4. La Granada Pink Bourbon – Colombia Filter

In 1990, the Colombian economy opened its doors to international markets. For Colombian producers, this proved to be an enormous challenge, as imported products were substantially cheaper than their local produce, undercutting their hard work. Coffee farmer Don Gabriel Castaño faced the very same problem; that is, of course, until he discovered pink bourbon, a rare coffee variety.

Fascinated by the vibrant colour of the seeds, he planted this unknown variety on his Finca La Granda in Huila, and quickly found them to be a lucrative crop, especially for their resistance to leaf rust. He decided to plant his entire farm with pink bourbon, and saw great success producing a high quality, high yield coffee and securing a stable income for him and his family.

Gabriel and his wife Carmen have six children – four daughters and two sons – five of whom followed in the footsteps of their parents, becoming coffee producers themselves. Although Gabriel is reaching the twilight of his life, and medical complications mean he can no longer drink coffee, he says he wouldn't want to swap his life with anyone. He planted 8000 trees over his career, and is famous in his region for introducing pink bourbon to his colleagues. A real Don of coffee in Huila!

Relationship: Longstanding partner
Producer: Don Gabriel Castaño
Type of Farm: Family-run farm

Region, Country: Huila, Colombia
Altitude: 1620 masl
Soil type: Fertile soils
Fertilisation method: organic
Shadow Type: shade grown
Processing location: On the farm
Number of varieties: Various
Harvest season: May-June / Nov-Jan