Archive: Honduras Leonicio Castellon

Leonicio Castello’s coffee from Finca La Tigra represents another longstanding Verve relationship, as well as the vibrancy of high-elevation Honduran coffees. Nestled in the mountainous region of Santa Barbara, the farm sits at elevations exceeding 1,700 meters, where cool temperatures and misty cloud forests provide ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation.

This extended development allows the beans to absorb complex sugars, resulting in a cup that is both structured and layered. Leonicio cultivates varieties such as Catuai and Parainema with great attention to detail, using traditional farming methods informed by generations of knowledge and a deep connection to the land.

At Finca La Tigra, processing is approached with precision and care. Leonicio favors fully washed and honey processing, each method tailored to bring out the inherent sweetness and clarity of the coffee. This dedication to craft—from meticulous picking to careful fermentation and drying—has earned Leonicio recognition within Honduras’ growing specialty coffee scene. Additionally, his son (who is an agronomist) helps out at the farm to ensure plant health and vigor. Their combined efforts at Finca La Tigra are not only a testament to quality but also to resilience, tradition, and the steady innovation shaping the future of Honduran coffee.