Located in Acevedo, Huila, Villa Betulia is a longstanding family-owned coffee farm with a storied history in coffee cultivation. Luis Anibal Calderón, a second-generation coffee grower, has overseen the farm’s evolution into specialty coffee production over the past decade. Luis’s journey in coffee began at the age of 12, working alongside his father in the fields. By the time he was 15, he was entrusted with his own plot of land, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial endeavors. Through diligent savings and hard work, Luis purchased his first farm at the age of 21, eventually acquiring Villa Betulia at 40. The turning point for Villa Betulia came in 2012 when Luis introduced 5000 Gesha trees, which demonstrated exceptional quality and success. Inspired by this, he expanded the farm’s offerings to include a diverse range of exotic varieties such as Bourbon Rojo, Tabi, Java, and Wush Wush. The decision to venture into specialty coffee was motivated by financial challenges, which led the family to professionalize their operations and
embrace the nuances of coffee cupping, processing, and flavor profiles. Today, Villa Betulia boasts an on-site laboratory dedicated to evaluating and ensuring the quality of their coffees. One of the farm’s notable offerings is Pink Bourbon, originally thought to be a hybrid of Bourbon varieties but later identified as having Ethiopian origins. Pink Bourbon is celebrated for its impressive cup quality and disease resistance, attributes attributed to its unique genetic lineage. After harvesting, the Pink Bourbon beans undergo manual selection to ensure only the best cherries are chosen. Subsequently, they undergo anaerobic fermentation in plastic bags for 50 hours. Following this initial fermentation, the cherries are depulped and then undergo another 20 hours of fermentation in water tanks. After this second fermentation stage, the beans are thoroughly washed and then sun-dried for 15 days. For the Calderón family, coffee represents more than a business—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. They are passionate about sharing their exceptional coffees with the world and hope that consumers value the dedication and craftsmanship behind each cup. Looking towards the future, Villa Betulia seeks greater recognition for specialty coffee production. They encourage global coffee enthusiasts to support and promote their efforts, showcasing Villa Betulia’s commitment to quality and sustainability within the coffee industry.