A refined coffee that expresses the elegance of Huehuetenango, with aromas of caramel and orange blossom. Flavours of red apple, milk chocolate, and toffee shine through, complemented by a lively citric acidity and a silky, rounded body.
About the Coffee
This washed coffee is produced by smallholder farmers in the highlands of Huehuetenango, one of Guatemala’s most renowned coffee-growing regions. The combination of altitude, dry winds from Mexico’s Tehuantepec plain, and fertile mountain soils creates an exceptional microclimate for cultivating high-quality Arabica.
Cultivation and Processing
Smallholders in Huehuetenango typically manage farms averaging 2–5 hectares, cultivating Bourbon, Caturra, and Catuai varieties under shade. Coffee grows at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level, qualifying as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). After hand-selecting ripe cherries, farmers deliver them to washing stations where they are depulped, fermented for 24–36 hours, and fully washed. The coffee is then dried on raised beds or patios, turned regularly to ensure even drying and preserve clarity of flavour.
The Legacy of Coffee in Guatemala
Coffee is deeply intertwined with Guatemala’s cultural and economic identity. Since its introduction in the 18th century, it has shaped communities and landscapes across the country’s mountainous regions. Guatemala’s nearly 300 distinct microclimates provide a remarkable diversity of flavour profiles, from delicate floral Yirgacheffe-like expressions to chocolatey, nutty classics.
Huehuetenango stands out among these regions for producing some of the most vibrant and complex Guatemalan coffees, often noted for their bright fruitiness and refined structure. Farmers here combine generational knowledge with evolving specialty practices to consistently deliver exceptional coffees to the global market.
Challenges and Resilience
Guatemalan coffee producers continue to face obstacles such as Coffee Leaf Rust, climate change, and fluctuating market prices. Yet, farmers in Huehuetenango have responded with innovation, adopting resistant varietals, improved agronomic practices, and cooperative systems that enhance both quality and market access. Their resilience ensures that Guatemalan coffees remain a cornerstone of the specialty coffee industry.
COFFEE GRADE: SHB EP
FARM: Various smallholder farmers
VARIETAL: Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai
PROCESSING: Fully Washed
ALTITUDE: 1,500 to 2,000 masl
OWNER: Various smallholders
REGION: Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Cupping Notes
A refined and lively coffee, with aromas of caramel and orange blossom. Flavours of red apple, milk chocolate, and toffee. Lively citric acidity with a silky, rounded body and clean finish.
Matte Black Coffee Bag Bundle - With Valve & Rippa Zippa
Matte Black Coffee Bag Bundle - With Valve
