This Pacamara lot comes to us from Finca Manila, a coffee farm that is situated in a particularly remote area of San Marcos, Nuevo Progreso in Guatemala. The elevation of this area - and the farm itself – is around 1450-1800 metres above sea level (masl). At such elevations, the coffee plants here benefit from a microclimate that develops at these heights. High altitude is an optimal requirement for growing varietals such as Pacamara. The resultant coffee quality is directly impacted by the altitudes at which the crop is grown. Finca Manila has an advantage of operating at such heights that benefit such a unique crop. The limited amount of sunlight on the steep slopes in the San Marcos Highlands creates an environment that allows the coffee cherries to ripen slowly. What this means for the coffee growing here is that it can over time, the beans can slowly develop a concentrated flavour profile that is balanced out by the mineral-rich clay soils that are also nourishing the plants as they grow.

The Pacamara varietal is a particularly unique varietal. Pacamara is praised for its flavour and quality, but what is also most notable about the varietal are its characteristically large beans. Whilst it falls under the Arabica family tree – related to Bourbon and Typica varietals – Pacamara originates from a cross between the Pacas and Maragogype varietals.

Finca Manila has been recognised many times throughout the years for its excellence in coffee producing. Their multiple successes at world renowned coffee competitions such as Cup of Excellence are testament to their unwavering high standards that they place upon every stage of the coffee producing journey. Their commitment to quality starts at the handpicking of the coffee cherries, through each stage after to ensure that the integrity of the beans is preserved. Across the farm, sustainability practices such as; pruning and fertilisation during the rainy season are implemented to maintain tree health, whilst the 271-hectare estate also includes a 16-hectare nature reserve – to protect biodiversity and safeguard the steep terrain from erosion.

• Region: Nuevo Progreso, San Marcos
• Variety: Pacamara
• Process: Washed
• Altitude: 1450-1800 masl
• Tasting: Caramel Apple, Apricot & Black Tea
• Aroma: Toffee
• Body: Medium
• Acidity: Medium / High