Tabi was released by Cenicafé in 2002, crossing Typica and Bourbon with the Timor hybrid. The name means “good” in the Guambiano language.
What it was for
Rust resistance without the cup penalty that Catimor carried. Colombia needed a resistant variety that specialty buyers would accept.
The cup
Sweet and complex with good acidity and body — noticeably better than Catimor and competitive with Caturra. It has performed well in Cup of Excellence.
Why Castillo is more common
Tabi is tall, which makes harvesting slower and dense planting impossible. Castillo, released three years later, is compact and yields better.
So Tabi is planted by quality-focused producers and Castillo by everyone else — a familiar pattern.
Where it grows
Colombia, in relatively small quantities.
Brewing it
Filter or espresso at medium-light roast.