Introducing Our New Single-Origin Coffee: Las Cuevas from Quiché, Guatemala

We’re thrilled to present Las Cuevas, a unique honey-processed coffee from the heart of Quiché, Guatemala. Grown by smallholder farmers in the Las Cuevas community and processed at the brand-new Joyabaj Wet Mill, this coffee embodies the care and dedication of the region’s producers. With tasting notes of blackberry, milk chocolate, and a creamy, balanced body, Las Cuevas is an indulgent yet refined coffee that’s perfect for any brewing method.

Joyabaj: A Coffee Community in Southern Quiché

Las Cuevas represents the heritage and resilience of the farmers in southern Quiché. The Joyabaj Wet Mill, constructed in 2021 by the Federación Comercializadora de Café Especial de Guatemala (FECCEG), is the first central processing facility available to the Joyabaj community. This mill allows farmers to produce consistent, high-quality honey-processed coffee and provides vital infrastructure that the area has lacked for years.

FECCEG’s partnership with local farmers in Joyabaj addresses the longstanding challenges faced by this community. In recent years, a lack of investment and employment opportunities led to a steady migration of residents from the area. Through the Joyabaj Wet Mill project, FECCEG aims to support sustainable coffee production and reverse this trend by creating new economic opportunities.

Honey Processing: Elevating Las Cuevas

Honey processing is a meticulous method that enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and creates a balanced, creamy body. At the Joyabaj Wet Mill, the coffee cherries are carefully depulped, leaving a sticky layer of fruit on the bean. After fermentation, the beans are dried in mechanical drum dryers at carefully controlled temperatures, preserving their complex flavors and vibrant acidity. This gentle drying process is essential in bringing out the tasting notes of blackberry and milk chocolate in Las Cuevas.

Once dried, the coffee is transported to FECCEG’s dry mill in Quetzaltenango for final sorting and quality assessment, ensuring each lot of Las Cuevas meets the high standards of both FECCEG and Blossom Coffee Roasters.

Sustainability and Community Development

FECCEG’s long-term vision for the Joyabaj Wet Mill goes beyond coffee processing. By supporting farmers with technical training, organic certification programs, and entrepreneurial workshops for women, FECCEG is building a foundation for sustainable coffee production and improved livelihoods. Their work empowers local farmers and provides the resources needed to keep agricultural expertise within the region, helping to preserve Joyabaj’s unique coffee-growing traditions for generations to come.

Tasting Notes

Las Cuevas delivers a vibrant and satisfying cup with tasting notes of blackberry, milk chocolate, and a balanced, creamy body. Its smooth mouthfeel and layered flavors make it a versatile coffee, perfect for those who enjoy a rich yet approachable cup. This coffee’s unique honey process enhances its natural sweetness and rounded finish, making it an ideal choice for pour-over or French press brewing.

For the best brew, we recommend starting with a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio to bring out the coffee’s vibrant fruit notes and smooth body. Las Cuevas also shines as a comforting drip coffee, offering a full-flavored cup that’s perfect for any time of day.

Our Commitment to Quality and Community

At Blossom Coffee Roasters, we are proud to offer you Las Cuevas, a coffee that celebrates the hard work and expertise of Quiché’s smallholder farmers. Our collaboration with FECCEG and the Las Cuevas community supports sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the people who bring this coffee to life.

Order your bag of Las Cuevas today to experience the unique flavors of Quiché, Guatemala. Each sip connects you with the dedication and vision of Joyabaj’s coffee-growing community.