Brill Coffee
Colombia, Neftali Castro 'Finca El Diamante'
Colombia, Neftali Castro 'Finca El Diamante'
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El Diamante coffee from Colombia, grown and processed by Neftali Castro on his family's farm, is a rare and exceptional coffee that stands out for its rich taste and unique story. Grown on a 30-hectare estate, El Diamante is much larger than the average farm in the region, and its unique climate and soil produce a delicious and complex coffee. Neftali's dedication to coffee production has paid off with recognition in the 2009 and 2011 COE auctions, and he continues to innovate and adapt, now cultivating Pink Bourbon, Gesha, and Chiroso varieties. This coffee is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a high-quality cup of coffee with a fascinating backstory.
Tasting notes: Pineapple, Juicy Fruit, Cola
Recommended espresso recipe:
- Dose: 20-22g ground coffee
- Yield: 42-48g extracted coffee
- Time: 26-32 seconds
Recommended filter recipe:
- Dose: 15g ground coffee
- Yield: 250g water
- Time: ~3mins 30secs
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El Diamante coffee from Colombia is a testament to the exceptional quality that can be achieved through careful farming practices, dedication to the craft, and a focus on sustainability. Grown and processed on Neftali Castro's family farm, this coffee is a true gem in the world of specialty coffee.
Located in the state of Tolima, Colombia, El Diamante farm was initially established for planting plantain, green beans, potatoes, and a local carrot called arrachacha. But it was only in 2008, when Neftali decided to return to his family farm after working as a mechanic in Tolima's capital, that his focus shifted to coffee production. He expanded the land dedicated to coffee, established careful farming practices, and built a small beneficio and drying sheds to process his crop.
His efforts were rewarded when he placed 29th in 2009's COE auction and achieved 3rd place in the competition in 2011. This recognition brought attention from local FNC technicians, who advised him to replace his Caturra trees with the higher yielding Castillo variety. Unfortunately, the variety did not perform well in such a cool climate, leading to a couple of difficult years for the farm.
Undeterred, Neftali made the hard decision to replace the Castillo trees entirely with the Tabi variety, a newer hybrid that is resistant to rust and performs well at higher elevations. This crop has been far more successful, and Neftali is once again producing exceptional quality and good yields. Today, eight hectares of El Diamante are under coffee production.
El Diamante coffee boasts a medium body and bright acidity, with tasting notes of citrus, juicy fruit, and cola. It is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a well-balanced cup with a complex flavour profile.
Beyond its exceptional taste, El Diamante coffee is also a socially responsible choice. Neftali and his family are committed to sustainability and have banded together with their community to fight against large mining companies that were buying up land and tearing up established farms in search of gold. By supporting El Diamante coffee, you are not only enjoying a delicious cup of coffee but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region.
