Gold Reserve: Colombia El Ubérrimo by Francy Castillo
Tastes: Maraschino, cherry, floral, complex
Varieties: Caturra & Colombia
Region: Nariño
Process: Anaerobic Honey
Altitude: 2018m
Importer: Apex Coffee Imports
Our Gold Reserve highlights rare, exceptional single origin coffees that we have the privilege of roasting. We meticulously select the best specialty coffee for each single origin release and these represent the best of the best.
Francy and her four sisters grew up assisting their parents on the family coffee farm, an experience that inspired her to specialize in agronomy to better support and manage the family business. She pursued her university degree through a distance learning program while working on the farm to finance her studies. Upon graduating in 2019, she joined the FNC as a field assistant in her hometown of Arboleda, Nariño. In addition, she gained valuable experience in sensory development by working in a private export laboratory in Buesaco.
In Francy’s words, "My interest in coffee grew even stronger, and every day, I found myself eager to learn more about the fascinating world of coffee."
Since then, she has never looked back, emerging as one of the most innovative producers in Nariño. Francy oversees the Berruecos project, which gathers parchment from small producers in the region at a collection point. This initiative enables isolated producers to access the specialty coffee market, offering them the opportunity to earn premium prices. The project generates larger, more manageable lots from exceptional farms and producers.
In 2017, Francy initiated a project on the farm to plant new coffee varieties, a venture that demanded meticulous planning—from selecting the right seeds to managing the storage facilities. The project incorporated soil conservation practices and increased planting distances to foster optimal plant growth.
Agricultural tasks, including planting, fertilizing, and harvesting, are carried out with the support of neighbours and family members. The production methods emphasize the minimal use of agrochemicals, aiming to protect the soil’s microbial life while promoting the health and resilience of the coffee plants.
This exquisite Gold Reserve offering comes to us through the efforts of Jeff Fleming at Apex Coffee Imports.