The Math Teacher Who Became a Specialty Coffee Farmer
At Motobean, we believe the best specialty coffee comes with the best stories — and few are as compelling as the journey behind our Rocket Flower lot. Rooted in the history of Finca El Paseo, this coffee is a direct reflection of the farmer who shaped it: Huver Castillo.
From Classroom to Coffee Trees
Huver is a third‑generation coffee grower, but his path back to the farm was anything but linear. Until just a few years ago — before 2015 — he was a dedicated math teacher in Nariño, shaping young minds and building a life far removed from the day‑to‑day demands of agriculture.
But the pull of family legacy is strong.
Driven by a desire to honour the work of his father and grandfather, Huver made a bold decision: he stepped away from the chalkboard and returned to the land he grew up on. What began as a reconnection with his roots quickly evolved into a full‑time commitment to specialty coffee production.
Today, Huver works side‑by‑side with his father at Finca El Paseo, blending inherited wisdom with the analytical precision you’d expect from a former math teacher. That unique combination — intuition and calculation — is exactly what fuels the innovation behind the Rocket Flower process.
Finca El Paseo: A High‑Altitude Haven
Nestled along the Suma Paz trail near Buesaco, Nariño, Finca El Paseo has been in the Castillo family for more than 20 years. It’s one of three farms they own, but it stands out for its breathtaking location and exceptional growing conditions.
The farm sits between 1750 and 1950 MASL, a high‑altitude range that plays a crucial role in flavour development. Cool temperatures slow the maturation of the cherries, allowing sugars and organic acids to concentrate. Native shade trees further stabilise the microclimate, creating the perfect environment for producing clean, vibrant, high‑clarity coffees.
When you brew Rocket Flower, you’re tasting the result of this slow, deliberate maturation — and the dedication of a farmer who traded equations for experimentation.
The Rocket Flower Process: Precision Meets Passion
The Rocket Flower lot is the product of Huver’s meticulous approach to processing. His background in mathematics shows up everywhere: in the way he measures, records, adjusts and refines each stage of fermentation.
This is where tradition meets innovation.
The result is a coffee that bursts with florals, fruit sweetness and aromatic lift — a profile that has quickly become one of the most exciting expressions in our lineup.
A Cup That Tells a Story
Every bag of Rocket Flower carries the imprint of Huver’s journey:
- A teacher who returned home
- A farmer who honours his heritage
- A producer who pushes boundaries
- A craftsman who treats coffee like both art and science
When you brew a cup, you’re not just tasting exceptional coffee — you’re celebrating a life reshaped by passion, purpose and family.