Origin Story
Directly from the hills of Mercedes in western Honduras, this exceptional coffee is cultivated by smallholder farmers at 1,550 meters above sea level in fertile lands protected by some of the highest mountains in the country. The Mercedes region is the heart where the unmistakable flavor of CAFESMO is born—a coffee that represents the dedication of Honduran farming families who have cultivated coffee for generations. The natural processing method—where whole cherries are dried on raised beds for 20-28 days—creates the vibrant fruit flavors and sweet complexity that define this lot. Honduras has emerged as one of Central America's premier specialty coffee origins, and this natural-processed coffee showcases the innovation and quality focus of Honduran producers. The combination of high altitude, volcanic soils, and meticulous processing creates a coffee with floral sweetness, stone fruit complexity, and balanced acidity that's perfect for both filter brewing and espresso.
Producer Details
Region: Mercedes, Western Honduras
Altitude: 1,550 MASL
Process: Natural (sun-dried whole cherries on raised beds)
Varietals: Catuai, Caturra
Farmers: Smallholder families in the Mercedes region
Drying Method: Raised beds, 20-28 days
Harvest Season: November - March
Sustainability & Certifications
✓ Shade-Grown: Cultivated under native shade trees in traditional coffee gardens
✓ Organic Practices: Natural composting and minimal intervention farming
✓ Direct Trade Partnership: Long-term relationship with Mercedes producers, fair premiums paid
✓ Water Conservation: Natural processing eliminates water waste
✓ Quality Focus: Rigorous cherry selection for natural processing
✓ Fair Wages: Premium pricing for specialty lots ensures living wages
✓ Community Investment: Producer groups invest in education and processing infrastructure
✓ Mountain Protection: Coffee cultivation provides economic incentive to preserve Honduras' mountain ecosystems
Tasting Profile
Aroma: Floral sweetness, cane sugar, dried fruits
Flavor Notes: Red apple, stone fruit, panela (unrefined cane sugar), citrus, dried fruits
Acidity: Medium-high, malic and juicy like fresh apple
Body: Creamy and round with smooth mouthfeel
Sweetness: Strong natural sweetness from cherry fermentation
Finish: Balanced with lingering sweetness and sweet-citrus acidity
Brewing Recommendations: Excellent as pour-over (V60, Kalita), cold brew, or espresso
Why Honduras Cafesmo is Special
Honduras has rapidly emerged as one of Central America's top specialty coffee producers, and the Mercedes region represents some of the country's finest growing areas. The CAFESMO brand represents a commitment to quality and traceability, with each lot carefully selected and processed to highlight the unique characteristics of Honduran coffee. The natural processing method, combined with the region's ideal terroir, creates a coffee that's both fruit-forward and balanced—showcasing the best of what Honduras has to offer.
Traceability
This coffee is fully traceable to the Mercedes region in western Honduras and the specific producer groups behind the CAFESMO brand. We maintain detailed records including lot numbers, harvest dates, and processing notes. Each lot is cupped and scored at our Dubai facility by founder Mohamed Hamdou, and this coffee is featured in our cupping sessions to demonstrate the quality and innovation coming from Honduran specialty coffee producers.
At 1718 Coffee, we're committed to knowing the people behind every bean we source. Questions about this Honduras Cafesmo's journey from the mountains of Mercedes to your cup? We're here to share the story.
