Guatemala - Piedra Azul

PLUM, BERRY & DARK CHOCOLATE

Our take on a house bean, an easy to work with crowd pleaser. This is what we’ll now be serving on the bar over at our sister site, Giddy Arts, a drink all day coffee that puts a smile on your face. If you’ve liked our Coffee Gardens lots, then this is the replacement. Roasted medium it is equally at home as an espresso based drink or on filter, you can’t go wrong.

The coffee & farm
Perched in the captivating landscapes of La Libertad, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, the esteemed Finca El Rincón presents a story steeped in heritage and dedication. Acquired by Roberto Molina in 1956, this 25.5-hectare farm witnessed the cultivation of Caturra, Bourbon, and Catuaí varieties. Following Roberto Molina's passing in 2012, his wife Yolanda Garrido de Molina nurtured the farm until 2016. From that point onward, the Vides Family, his nephews, have taken the reins, propelling the farm into a new era of production encompassing washed, natural, and honey coffees.

Geographically located at coordinates 15°33'16.24"N 91°56’27.72“W, Finca El Rincón spans an elevation of 1500 to 1800 meters above sea level. Graced by the nurturing embrace of Gravilea and Inga Shade, the farm is a testament to the meticulous art of cultivation. Pruning, conducted annually, adapts to the ever-evolving needs of each plant, while manual selective picking ensures that only the ripest cherries find their way to the collection baskets.

The coffee's journey from tree to cup is a symphony of precision. After 24 hours in bags, the cherries undergo a series of refined processes, including depulping, fermentation, and washing over approximately 24 hours. Once the process is complete, the beans are spread across the patio for around 15-18 days, attaining the perfect humidity level. Subsequently, the beans are stored in the farm's warehouses, awaiting the next chapter.

The lot known as Piedra Azul stands as an integral part of El Rincón Farm's production under the ownership of the Vides family. Its name finds its origins in the blue rocks that grace the stream running alongside the plot where the coffee thrives. This very stream's essence infuses the coffee with a sense of connection to the land. El Rincón Farm, in turn, is a cornerstone of Finca La Bolsa, adding to the collective legacy.

The coffee's transition from the farm to the cup involves a shift to a dry mill in Guatemala City. Here, adherence to client requirements is a non-negotiable standard. Cupping approvals in the QC lab provide the final stamp of excellence before the coffee is elegantly packaged in personalized bags.

The journey is not without its challenges. The farm navigates the intricacies of high production costs, an emblem of their dedication to quality. The ebb and flow of pickers and workers within the region echoes broader socio-economic dynamics.

As the future beckons, the farm envisions ongoing investment and development, further refining their already remarkable coffee production. While coffee remains their cornerstone, the legacy extends to education and the fostering of a vibrant community.

In the heart of La Libertad's picturesque landscapes, Finca El Rincón is more than just a farm; it is a testament to a family's legacy. The Vides Family's commitment to coffee's excellence resonates in each cup, bridging past, present, and future. Amidst the hills, this coffee weaves a narrative of tradition, innovation, and shared pursuit of excellence, a journey that resonates with the region's heritage and splendor.