Origin Story
Sourced from the renowned coffee-growing regions of Antigua and Huehuetenango, these exceptional beans are cultivated by members of the Asociación de Productores de Café Especial (APCE), a cooperative representing over 200 smallholder farmers. Nestled in the volcanic highlands at 1,600-1,800 meters above sea level, these coffee trees thrive in mineral-rich soil beneath the shade of native Gravilea and Chalum trees. The natural processing method—where hand-picked cherries are sun-dried for 18-25 days on traditional patios—intensifies the coffee's inherent sweetness and creates the distinctive floral acidity and berry notes that define Guatemalan specialty coffee. Each bag represents the dedication of farming families who have perfected their craft over generations, many of whom are third or fourth-generation coffee producers maintaining sustainable practices that protect Guatemala's precious cloud forests.
Producer Details
Cooperative: Asociación de Productores de Café Especial (APCE)
Region: Antigua & Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Altitude: 1,600-1,800 MASL
Process: Natural (sun-dried on traditional patios)
Farmers: 200+ smallholder families
Varietals: Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai
Harvest Season: December - March
Sustainability & Certifications
✓ Rainforest Alliance Certified: Protecting biodiversity and forest ecosystems
✓ Shade-Grown: Cultivated under native tree canopy, providing habitat for migratory birds
✓ Organic Practices: Natural composting and minimal intervention farming methods
✓ Direct Trade Partnership: Long-term relationships ensuring prices 25% above Fair Trade minimums
✓ Water Conservation: Natural processing eliminates water waste from washing stations
✓ Women's Empowerment: 40% of cooperative members are women farmers with equal voting rights
✓ Community Development: Cooperative invests in education, healthcare, and coffee quality labs
Tasting Profile
Aroma: Floral with hints of jasmine and bergamot
Flavor Notes: Blackberry, black tea, dark chocolate, citrus zest
Acidity: Bright and floral, reminiscent of Earl Grey tea
Body: Medium to full, juicy and balanced
Finish: Clean with lingering berry sweetness
Traceability
This coffee is fully traceable to the APCE cooperative and the specific regions of Antigua and Huehuetenango. We maintain direct relationships with our importers who visit the farms annually, and each lot is cupped and scored at our Dubai facility by founder Mohamed Hamdou. This exceptional coffee is featured in our barista training programs to demonstrate the complexity achievable through natural processing and high-altitude cultivation.
At 1718 Coffee, we're committed to knowing the people behind every bean we source. Questions about this coffee's journey from the volcanic highlands of Guatemala to your cup? We're here to share the story.
