Day 20 of RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Guatemala Antigua
Origin: Guatemala
Location: Antigua
Altitude: 1400-1800 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Caturra
Process: Washed and sun dried
Tasting notes: Dark chocolate blackberries caramel
Why Alice and Ben love it: The dark chocolate and blackberry notes shine in this cup of coffee. The dark chocolate isn't overpowering but gives the coffee a strong body. It has a really sweet after taste and a beautiful fruity aroma.
About the coffee:
This Guatemala Antigua grown in farms across the rural areas of Guatemala such as Huehuetenango, Coban, Verapaz, Retalhuleu, San Marcos and Zacapa. The members of the Fedecocagua cooperative whom we have supplied from for over 15 years are coffee growers who own small plots or family farms within these areas of the coffee belt of Guatemala. Each farm can have a range of 1.32 hectares of land with Caturra varieties grown at high altitudes of up to 1,400 masl. Our coffee from this cooperative is thoroughly washed with quality graders and cuppers to taste the coffee as it makes its journey from bean to cup.
The unique micro-climates of the coffee growing regions in Guatemala paired with the high altitudes, plentiful rainfall and mineral-rich soil boasts a manifold of flavours. 98% of our coffee grown in Guatemala is shade grown however as the demand increases, natural and honey processing methods are becoming increasingly popular with the production of many high quality lots thus making our coffee available all year round. Once picked the beans are washed thoroughly and left to soak in water before being sent to the dry mill to be assessed and graded.
The quality of the roast in this coffee brings out full flavours such as velvety dark chocolate and juicy ripe blackberry notes balanced with a high caramel sweetness and a rich, smoky body. The colour of the roast really brings out the bitterness and leaves behind the acidity levels producing a smooth flavoursome cup.
