This single origin espresso is a washed lot of Castillo from neighboring farmers in Cauca, in southwestern Colombia, processed with Intelligentsia's longtime partner Banexport.
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Navel orange, prune, dried cherry
- Origin
- Colombia, Cauca
- Process
- Washed
- Roast
- Medium
- Roaster
- Intelligentsia
Roast level
About this coffee
What the roaster tells us.
This single origin espresso is a washed lot of Castillo from neighboring farmers in Cauca, in southwestern Colombia, processed with Intelligentsia’s longtime partner Banexport. Castillo reached Colombian farms in 2005 and spread fast because it resists coffee leaf rust, and this lot shows a hardy variety can still taste great. Intelligentsia lists navel orange, prune and dried cherry. Its starting recipe is 18 grams in, 44 to 46 grams out in 30 to 34 seconds. Grown at 1,600 to 1,900 meters and sold in 12 oz bags.
Product details checked 2026-11-04. Roaster descriptions can change between lots. Tasting notes describe sensory impressions, not a guarantee of how your brew will taste.
Where it’s from
Colombia, Cauca
RoasterIntelligentsia
OriginColombia, Cauca
ProcessWashed
RoastMedium
From farm to cup
Where it grew, how it was made, how it’s roasted.
Straight from the roaster’s listing — no guesswork added.
Step 01 · OriginGrown
Colombia, Cauca
Step 02 · ProcessProcessed
Washed
Step 03 · RoastRoasted
Medium
Before you buy
Is it right for you?
You’ll like it if…
- You enjoy bright, fruity coffees.
- You want a balanced, medium-roast cup that works with or without milk.
- You make espresso or milk drinks at home.
The details
- Variety
- Castillo
- Altitude
- 1,600 to 1,900 m
- Producer or farm
- Cauca smallholders with Banexport
- Certifications
- Direct Trade
- Bag size
- 12 oz bag
- Price
- $22.00
- Price per ounce
- $1.83 per oz
From the roaster’s listing, checked November 4, 2026. Prices change.
About coffee from Colombia
Colombia is one of the world's largest arabica producers, and many regions get two harvests a year. High-altitude areas like Huila and Nariño are known for sweet, balanced coffees with caramel and fruit, and Colombian producers are behind many of today's experimental fermentations.
What the process means
In a washed process, the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries. Washed coffees tend to taste clean and bright, and show off the character of the origin.
How to brew it
Starting recipes for this roast level. Adjust grind and ratio to taste; the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
| Method | Coffee | Water | Grind | Water temp | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-over Our pick | 15 g | 250 g | Medium-fine | 93°C / 200°F | 2:30–3:30 |
| French press | 30 g | 500 g | Coarse | 93°C / 200°F | 4 minutes |
| Cold brew | 100 g | 800 g | Coarse | Cold water | 12–18 hours in the fridge |
The people behind this coffee
Meet Intelligentsia
Intelligentsia started roasting in Chicago in 1995 and still roasts every bag there. Its buyers travel through the year to visit growers, and its Direct Trade program now includes more than 50 partners in 14 countries, many of them working with the roaster for over a decade. Each year the team cups, grades and releases more than 50 single origins and blends, from the Black Cat espressos it has made since the start to small, seasonal lots from Ethiopia, Kenya and Colombia. For filter coffee, Intelligentsia suggests a 1:18 coffee to water ratio as a starting point.
All Intelligentsia coffees
Espresso starting point
Dial it in
A 1:2 dose-to-yield ratio is a common place to start. Adjust grind and taste — the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
In18g
Out36g
Time25–30s
Compare
Similar coffees from other roasters
| Coffee | Roast | Origin | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso This coffee | Medium | Colombia, Cauca | Navel orange, prune, dried cherry |
| Coffee Bros. Ember Seasonal Espresso | Medium | Buesaco, Nariño, Colombia | Plum, cocoa |
| Coffee Bros. Espresso Roast Coffee | Medium | Ethiopia, Colombia | Strawberry, sugar cane, vanilla |
| Kafiex Roasters Three Amigos Espresso Blend | Medium | Mexico, Brazil, Colombia | Chocolate, butterscotch, black cherry |
Questions
Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso FAQ
What does Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso taste like?
Intelligentsia lists tasting notes of navel orange, prune and dried cherry. It's a medium roast.
Where does Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso come from?
It comes from Colombia, Cauca. The producer is Cauca smallholders with Banexport. It was grown at 1,600 to 1,900 m.
How is Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso processed?
The roaster lists the process as washed. In a washed process, the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries.
Is Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso good for espresso?
Yes. The roaster recommends it for espresso. A 1:2 ratio, such as 18 grams in and 36 grams out in 25 to 30 seconds, is a good place to start.
What's the best way to brew Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso?
A good starting point is pour-over: 15 g of coffee to 250 g of water, medium-fine grind, water at 93°C / 200°F, about 2:30–3:30. Adjust to taste.
Where can I buy Intelligentsia Colombia Cauca Castillo Single Origin Espresso?
You can buy it from Intelligentsia. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you order.
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