Day 20: Guatemala, Antigua
Day 20 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Guatemala, Antigua
Origin: Guatemala
Location: Antigua
Altitude: 1,400-1,800 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Caturra
Process: Washed and sun dried
Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, blackberry and caramel
Why Alice and Ben love it: This coffee boasts rich notes of dark chocolate and blackberry, with the chocolate providing a robust body without overwhelming the palate. Its sweet aftertaste is complemented by a delightful fruity aroma, making for a truly delicious cup.
About the coffee:
This delightful Guatemala Antigua coffee is grown on charming farms scattered across rural Guatemala, in regions like Huehuetenango, Cobán, Verapaz, Retalhuleu, San Marcos, and Zacapa. These farms make up the Fedecocagua cooperative who came together in 1969 to improve the livelihoods of small holder farmers. The cooperative represents over 20,000 small-scale coffee farmers across Guatemala, including 3,726 Fairtrade-certified members. This co-operative empowers farmers, 70% of whom are indigenous, in regions with challenging economic conditions like Huehuetenango and Cobán. By providing services such as credit access, technical support, transport, and direct coffee commercialisation, the cooperative ensures farmers earn more than they would through middlemen. Its commitment to quality, sustainability, and Fair Trade principles has transformed lives and improved living standards.
These dedicated coffee growers, often running very small family plots, cultivate their beans on farms averaging around 1.32 hectares. At altitudes reaching an impressive 1,400 metres above sea level (masl), they specialise in the Caturra variety, renowned for its exceptional quality. Thanks to Guatemala's unique microclimates, high altitudes, abundant rainfall, and mineral-rich soils, the coffee bursts with a variety of flavours.
The magic of the roast unlocks the coffee’s full potential, highlighting velvety dark chocolate and juicy ripe blackberry notes, balanced with a luscious caramel sweetness and a rich, smoky body. The roast’s deep colour tames the acidity, enhancing the bittersweet flavours for a smooth, satisfying cup.
