Coffee Varietal: Bourbon, Typica
Harvest Year: March 2023
Coffee Process: Washed
This one is quite a find. Showcasing one of the few “original” coffees from the Antigua Valley is truly a privilege.
The Zelaya family has been growing coffee for more than 100 years. This renowned family owns farms throughout Guatemala and grows a handful of genuine Antigua coffees. These are grown in the Antigua Valley area, surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango and Fuego.
Coffee was first planted in Hacienda Carmona around the 1800s, and the estate’s first exportable crop was produced in 1918. Over 100 years later, those same original varieties remain planted today: Typica, Red and Yellow Bourbon contributing to its unique and refined flavour profile.
Every cherry at Hacienda Carmona is hand-picked and sorted before being inspected and approved by the foreman at the wet mill on site. Then the fruit is pulped and fermented between 14 to 22 hours in tiled tanks.
The beans are washed to remove any remaining pulp and carefully dried on the patio. Then, they are placed on raised beds with a greenhouse-style enclosed canopy, which features walls that can be lifted up and down to maximise airflow and control temperature and humidity.
Distinct and complex followed by hints of pink lady apple, apricots and raspberries.