Colombia Raul Duran Castillo Washed

FLAVOR：Mandarin, Maple Syrup, Darjeeling

Origin: Colombia
Region: Tolima
Producer: Raul Duran
Altitude: 1,650m
Variety: Castillo
Process: Washed

Recipe/Pairing
Drip (for 1 cup): 14g powder, 250g hot water
We recommend pairing this coffee with a citrus salad or fruit tart to bring out its fruity, vibrant flavor. The mandarin flavor of this coffee pairs perfectly with a citrus salad made with fresh oranges or grapefruit, and the citrus flavor of the salad. The fruity flavor of a fruit tart made with mandarin oranges, in particular, brings out the fruity characteristics of the coffee.

Story
Don Raul Duran and his wife, Doña Hilma Gutierrez, own two farms, Finca La Esperanza and Finca El Porvenir, and operate them as an integrated coffee farm, sharing wet and dry mill processing facilities. Finca La Esperanza and Finca El Porvenir use traditional wet mill equipment, and the fermentation tanks are lined with majolica tiles, a material that preserves the unique terroir of each batch and is said to improve the quality of the coffee.

The coffee beans are depulped and fermented for about 30 hours without water, then washed twice with clean water. The initial drying process involves using sunlight and air on a drying table called a Casa Gerda for 8-10 days to reduce the moisture content to about 20%. The final drying step is done in a Guardiola (mechanical dryer) at a temperature of 35-40°C for about 35 hours, reducing the moisture content to 10-11%.

Their tried and tested methods ensure that their coffee is robust and has contributed greatly to the reputation and development of Gaitania's coffee industry, symbolizing their dedication to the art and science of coffee growing, rather than simply being a coffee producing region.

Facts
[Regional characteristics]
Tolima is a fertile region located in the central Andes of Colombia, centered around the Cauca River valley. The diverse terrain, ranging from 500 to 2,800 meters above sea level, provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Tolima's climate is warm and humid, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. The region's microclimate is highly suitable for coffee growth and development.

【economy】
Colombia's economy is diversified, with oil, coal, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services as its major industries. Oil and coal are important exports, and the energy industry is a major pillar of the economy. In addition to coffee, other agricultural products include bananas, flowers, cocoa, sugar, rice, and palm oil. Cut flowers, in particular, are world-renowned and a major export. Colombia's economy has experienced stable growth over the past few decades, remaining relatively robust within Latin America. Infrastructure development and increased foreign direct investment (FDI) have contributed to economic growth. However, despite economic growth, poverty and income inequality remain significant challenges. The economic disparity between urban and rural areas is also significant, and the government is implementing policies to address this.

[Politics]
Colombia has a republican system, with the president serving as head of state and government. Colombia has long struggled with anti-government guerrillas and drug trafficking organizations. While the peace process has progressed in recent years and peace agreements have been reached with some guerrilla groups, the country has yet to achieve complete stability. Political corruption remains a major problem, and the government is working to improve transparency and governance. Human rights violations resulting from the civil war also remain a problem, with protecting the rights of internally displaced persons and victims a particular challenge. Despite these challenges, the Colombian government has implemented various policies to support the coffee industry. These include technical assistance, subsidies for farmers, and quality control programs. The local government of Tolima is also actively promoting projects and programs to support the local coffee industry. These include farmer education and infrastructure improvements.

【coffee】
Tolima coffee is known for its rich flavor and balanced acidity. Its distinctive chocolate and fruity aromas make it a favorite among international coffee lovers. The region combines traditional farming methods with modern techniques to produce sustainable coffee, particularly shade-grown and organic farming. Tolima coffee is also exported worldwide and served in many specialty coffee shops. Coffee from this region is highly acclaimed for its quality and unique flavor profile.