07/15/2026
A little over a year ago, I received the sad news that Don Gabriel Castaño had passed away. I had the fortune of visiting don Gabriel and his family a handful of times. They were always gracious hosts and it always felt surreal to hang out with ‘the godfather of Pink bourbon.’ Gabriel would share stories, how he infamously discovered the pink bourbon variety and of adventures past. I came to learn through my visits with coffee producers throughout Huila that Gabriel generously distributed the pink bourbon variety throughout the region… a treasure I’m sure many others would have hoarded for themselves.
Even toward the end of his life, Gabriel (alongside his family), continued to dial in their unique coffee processing techniques. The coffee continued to be distinctly wild and punchy in its fruit characteristics… but it also became more refined and elegant.
While we will continue to grieve the loss of Gabriel, we are grateful to continue offering coffee from the Castaño family. This year’s microlot bears the name of Gabriel’s son, Jefferson Castaño. With tasting notes of Lulo (google it), passion fruit and papaya, it is as fruity as ever. And it’s one of our favorite harvests yet.
In loving memory of Gabriel Castaño Buendia. The Godfather of Pink Bourbon
