CACAOBETULIA - B6 COLOMBIA – Lucid Chocolatier

CACAO BETULIA

Maceo, Antioquia, Colombia

The Modern Criollo Estate

TECHNICAL SPECS:

Producer: Hacienda Betulia (Christian & Juan Pablo Vélez)
Location: Maceo, Antioquia, Colombia
Genetics: Betulia B6 (Single-Variety Criollo)
Fermentation: Specialized multi-stage protocol optimized for low-tannin Criollo beans
Farm size: 200 Acres (including a 30-hectare native forest sanctuary)
Altitude: 500 – 800 MSL
Website: CACAO BETULIA
Identity: The Modern Criollo Estate / Genetic Purity
Themes: Sustainability, innovation, and European-Colombian elegance

About Cacao Betulia: In the rolling hills of Antioquia, Hacienda Betulia is redefining the Colombian cacao narrative through a blend of rigorous Swiss precision and passionate Colombian heritage. Founded by cousins Christian and Juan Pablo Vélez, this estate is not a traditional plantation; it is a high-tech sanctuary for one of the rarest genetic lineages in the world: the Criollo B6.

While much of the world's cacao has been hybridized for disease resistance and yield, the Vélez family has doubled down on purity. Using DNA mapping and advanced agricultural science, they have isolated the B6 variety, a strain that boasts a 64% Criollo linkage. This commitment to genetic integrity results in a bean that is fundamentally different from almost any other cacao on the market—naturally light in color, low in bitterness, and possessing a unique creamy complexity.

Hacienda Betulia represents the "Modern Estate" model, where ecological stewardship is as important as the final flavor. With a dedicated 30-hectare forest sanctuary on-site, the farm supports local wildlife and preserves the region's natural springs. For Lucid, Betulia is the ultimate expression of elegance. Their beans allow us to create chocolate that is remarkably sophisticated, moving away from the heavy "earthy" notes of standard cocoa and toward a profile that is bright, nutty, and exceptionally smooth.

Origins we buy:

Betulia B6: This is the flagship "Super-Criollo" of the estate. Because it lacks the heavy tannins of purple cacao, the B6 offers a flavor profile that is startlingly clean. We source this single-variety lot specifically for its ability to showcase delicate secondary notes like yogurt, light honey, and fresh cream.
Estate Blends: Periodically, we work with the cousins to source specific harvests that blend their unique Criollo strains (B6, B9, B12), providing a broader look at the "Betulia Terroir" while maintaining the estate's signature silkiness.

Products we make:

BETULIA B6 70%
CRIOLLO NOIR 85%
YOGURT & WILD HONEY 72% (Lucid Labs)

GENETICS:

Cacaobetulia farm 3 single varieties of cacao, as well as a blend of different hybrid genetics, they are shown in the corrosponding picture from left to right, top to bottom as follows:

B8
B6
B9
Hybrid

We sampled all of the origins when we visited in 2024, and for us, the favourite was B6. This is because in contrast to all of our Peruvian origins, this cacao had almost zero fruit flavours. It was rich in flavours of roasted nuts, herbs and caramel - completely unique relative to the rest of our lineup. It is why we made an acception to our Peru only rule, and for now, it holds its place in the lineup.

98% WHITE BEAN COUNT

The B6 variety produces almost entirely white cacao beans. After fermentation and roasting, they become a light brown colour, leading to chocolate that looks more like a creamy milk than a dark.