Diego Bermudez Y-05 Castillo

Thermal shock is an innovative processing method pioneered by Diego Bermudez that uses precise temperature control to enhance flavor development. After initial fermentation, coffee cherries undergo rapid temperature changes—alternating between hot (40°C) and cold (10°C) water baths. This controlled stress triggers unique metabolic reactions in the beans, creating intense fruit flavors and exceptional sweetness while maintaining remarkable clarity. The process requires exact timing and temperature control, making it one of the most technically demanding methods in specialty coffee.

Finca El Paraiso in Huila, Colombia has become legendary in specialty coffee circles for its experimental processing methods. Located 2,000 meters above sea level in Colombia's premier coffee-growing region, the farm benefits from volcanic soil, ideal rainfall patterns, and temperature variations that create perfect growing conditions. Huila's unique geography—surrounded by the Central and Eastern Cordilleras—creates microclimates that allow for year-round harvesting and exceptional cup quality.

Diego Bermudez is a revolutionary figure in coffee processing, known worldwide for pushing the boundaries of fermentation science. A third-generation coffee producer with a background in microbiology, Diego has transformed Finca El Paraiso into a laboratory for coffee innovation. His experimental processes—including thermal shock, anaerobic fermentation, and controlled oxidation—have earned him numerous awards and changed how the industry thinks about coffee processing. His coffees regularly score above 90 points and are sought after by roasters globally.

Castillo is a Colombian-developed hybrid created by Cenicafé to combine excellent cup quality with disease resistance, particularly against coffee leaf rust. Released in 2005, this varietal is a composite of Caturra and Timor Hybrid lineages, offering the sweetness and complexity of traditional varietals with the hardiness needed for sustainable farming. While initially met with skepticism, innovative producers like Diego Bermudez have proven that Castillo can produce exceptional specialty coffee when carefully cultivated and processed.