Description
We are excited to announce the return of a favorite!
It has been a challenging couple of years for our producing partners in Nahuala. The cooperative unexpectedly lost access to their wet mill two years ago, making exporting coffee as a group impossible. Through sheer perseverance, they have manage to secure a new exporting partner and we are able to once again offer this special coffee. Proof of the resiliency of the women in this cooperative. This coffee is certified Fairtrade and is part of the Cafe Femenino program.
We love this coffee for its unique profile – so unlike typical Central American coffees. It has a dry, crisp mouthfeel that is more akin to a classic African coffee and a distinct black pepper aroma. The perfect coffee to drink black. Best prepared via pour-over, press pot or Aeropress.
Variety
Arabica typica grafted on Sachimor root stock.
Region
Xojolá, Nahualá, Sololá
Altitude
1000-1300 masl
Process
Fully washed and dried in the sun
The Region
Santiago Atitlan sits next to Lake Atitlan, the most picturesque area of all Guatamala and perhaps the world. The lake is surrounded by mountains, three of which are volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolliman and Atitlan. It is on the southeastern ridges of the San Pedro Volcano that the Santiago Atitlan coffee is grown. Santiago is a Tzuthil- Mayan Indian village of about 28,000. All of the coffee grown here is farmed by these native farmers. Each day they must hike from Santiago up the south side of San Pedro Volcano to work their small plots of land, usually 1 to 2 hectacres. This hike takes 1 to 2 hours, and during harvest time the 110 pound sacks of coffee cherries are carried down the mountain on their backs to sell each day.
Santiago is colorful, as the men and women still wear the traditional native garments, the fabric is all hand woven and hand embroidered in the most brilliant and beautiful colors.
Certified Shade Grown Organic through Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA)
Jamie Hunter (verified owner) –
Have been through the majority of Kaladi coffees and landed on this one years ago after the Ethiopian changed.
Rich, bold, but smooth is how I would characterize it.
Others may disagree, but we mix 50/50 with Decaf Trieste in the French Press to lower the caffeine jitters but is amazing.
Teresa Woidneck (verified owner) –
First time I tried this the barista recommended it. I have ordered others, but tend to gravitate towards this one as a favorite. We use in espressos, drip pour over and French press. No matter how you prepare it, it’s smooth and easy to drink. Definitely a favorite in our household.
Sandra Grill (verified owner) –
Although I enjoy and love several of the Kaladi coffees, ordering a variety
regularly, this is my favorite. As a bonus, I feel GREAT supporting the women who grow this coffee sustainably, and organically. This helps these women financially and helps the planet.
As for the coffee’s taste, it is rich, nutty and smooth. Always roasted fresh and I know this by the consistent bloom in my French Press.
jake.knigge (verified owner) –
This coffee’s dry-yet-refreshing taste is tough to be beat—I haven’t come another coffee that compares to it. It is smooth with (subtle) nutty flavor (like a lot of South American coffees). I’ve made it in an Aeropress, French press, and Chemex; I’d say the Aeropress and Chemex are my favorites for doing this coffee justice.
Shelley Vereen (verified owner) –
A beautiful coffee indeed! I was introduced by a friend wielding an Aeropress and it was the smoothest, best balanced coffee I’d ever enjoyed. I’m grateful to the excellent growers and to Kaladi for making this gem available to us.