Caffeine Chronicles
The Genius of Guatemala
Forget just growing “coffee”, anyone can do that! Guatemala really kicks it up a notch, its fabulous flavours a testament to its stunning culture, climate and people..
Emerald-green landscapes, volcanic slopes, high-altitude terrain — this is where our coffee journey begins, as the coffee plantations of Guatemala take root in a terroir unlike any other. The three primary regions — Antigua, Huehuetenango, and Atitlán — contribute to the kaleidoscope of flavours that make Guatemalan coffee a global sensation.
First up, we have Antigua, with its three(!) majestic volcanoes, is considered the birthplace of Guatemala's coffee tradition.
The abundant volcanic soil, combined with a high altitude and consistent rainfall, creates an eco-environment where coffee can flourish. These elements combine to create cocoa, spice, and delicate floral notes in this coffee. Super yum!
Head northwest, and we come to Huehuetenango, where a rugged terrain and dry winds lend a very different twist to the coffee it produces that’s quite the contrast to its more refined Antiguan cousin. Bright acidity and fruity undertones are the vibe here, totally tropical! The beans are super-resilient, meaning great yield and less reliance on modern farming techniques such as pesticides and herbicides, and that strength runs through the taste in every cup.
Lastly, to Atitlán, home the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, this region offers a medium-bodied brew with a nicely balanced acidity. Citrus, jasmine, and a subtle sweetness can be found in an Atitlán cup, and we love the quirky refinement of these boho-beans.
Whoever the beans are from, underpinning it all is a very deep love of this crop in the country. Guatemala’s coffee culture is a celebration of connection, conversation and community.
“No wonder coffee is so ingrained in the country’s culture,” adds OHCO’s Paul Taylor “because Guatemala is one of the few places where coffee is grown 365 days a year. This underlines the country’s unique location, geographical make-up and eco-diversity and that’s reflected in the coffee it produces. Me? I love the fact it creates a cup that’s a very well-balanced and a bit of an ‘all-dayer’ but not at all bland and ‘polite’ to the taste, because there’s a ton of great flavour tones and mouthfeels we can call on when when producing our Guatemala ASDECAFE blend
“This year-round production also means reliable revenue, so it’s no wonder many of its producers are much more focussed on a quality and sustainable product, rather than simply churning out high quantities. It’s a win-win for us at OHCO. Not only can we build long-lasting relationships with our producers — but it’s truly, 100% organic, so you know you’re drinking a coffee that’s responsibly sourced and delicious!”
“I love the fact it creates a cup that’s a very well-balanced and a bit of an ‘all-dayer’ but not at all bland and ‘polite’ to the taste”
Find out more about our Rich & Rewarding
Guatemala Adescafe Organic
