For the year 2026, the base of our espresso at Garza Coffee will be something special: a washed Castillo from the Finca Bellavista in Colombia.
This coffee is produced by the Gil family, under the direction of Alejandro Gil – a coffee farmer who cultivates his coffee with great passion and in harmony with nature.
During our visit to Finca Bellavista, we witnessed firsthand the meticulous care Alejandro takes in regenerating the soil after each harvest. For him, coffee is not merely a commodity, but part of a living ecosystem that requires long-term care and responsibility.
Sustainable coffee farming and healthy soils
The work on Finca Bellavista follows a clear principle: no use of chemical fertilizers or insecticides.
Instead, Alejandro relies on:
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Manual care of the plants
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Selective harvesting of ripe cherries
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Continuous monitoring of the fields
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Mechanical weed control without chemicals
Selective harvesting takes place several times a year. This prevents the coffee borer from spreading and simultaneously increases quality, as only optimally ripened cherries are processed.
This approach requires significantly more time and manual labor – but that is exactly what is reflected in the cup: clean, clear coffees with a strong emphasis on their origin.
Castillo Washed & Castillo Honey – Two processes, one origin
In addition to the washed Castillo, which forms the basis of our Specialty Espresso, there will also be a Castillo Honey this year.
In the washed process, the pulp is completely removed before the beans are washed and dried. The result is a clear, structured espresso with defined sweetness and elegant acidity.
In the honey process, however, only the husk is removed, while some of the pulp (mucilage) remains attached to the bean. During drying, the coffee slowly ferments with these natural sugars, resulting in a more pronounced sweetness and sensory depth.
Both preparations impressively demonstrate the potential of the Castillo variety when processed with knowledge, precision and respect for nature.
A new generation of Colombian coffee farmers
Alejandro Gil represents a new generation of Colombian producers. For him, innovation does not mean industrial efficiency, but rather sustainable development in harmony with the environment.
Close collaboration with roasters and openness to transparent processes make all the difference. It is precisely this personal connection that gives his coffees character and identity.
From the finca to Berlin – Espresso with a provenance
The Castillo from Finca Bellavista will be part of our espresso base at Garza Coffee . It brings structure, sweetness, and depth to our blends – without losing the story and origin behind each bean.
We are convinced: A great espresso starts on the farm.
And the true value of Colombian specialty coffee lies in the people who grow it with responsibility and passion.
