Guatemala - Los Aguacatones

Los Aguacatones was purchased by the Morales family in 2009. Whilst it was initially used for picnicking and growing avocados, and some small experiments with growing coffee at 2,000 masl, after success placing top 10 in the Cup of Excellence, the experiments grew and the family decided to plant coffee across the 11 hectares with seeds from their other farms in 2011. Since then they have concentrated on soil health and reforesting the area with suitable shade trees, including chalum and gravileas, two endemic tree species that fix nitrogen. They found water to be a challenge, so set up rain catchment tanks and implemented irrigation throughout the entire farm.

In Huehuetenango, coffee farming currently faces a ‘perfect storm’ of interconnected challenges. While the region is legendary for its high-altitude, fruit-forward coffees, farmers are struggling with a severe labor exodus, erratic climate shifts, and rising production costs. Producers like the Morales’ who are demonstrating a positive narrative, economic success and recognition for their exceptional skills and product, serve as important leading lights to their community and the industry.

Their processing approach, primarily washed and honey methods carried out without traditional washing channels, makes for clean, floral cup profiles, but Fredy has seen the most success with his clean and expressive Naturals.

The farm now grows a wide range of varieties, including Tekisic, geisha and Maragoype, but this lot is comprised of the more traditional Bourbon, and Villa Sarchi, which is more common in Costa Rica. Both of these varieties are prized for their sweetness, but it’s interesting to taste them form such high altitude.

Purchased from Marta Dalton of Coffee Bird, an inspirational and passionate driver of improved equity for producers, and a force in her own right, the quality of this coffee is the legacy of an incredible family, with deep roots in the regions coffee.

Coffee Bird emphasizes direct relationships, fair trade, and sustainable farming. Since leaving a career in finance in 2011, Marta has worked to connect farmers with roasters, shorten the supply chain, and ensure that quality coffee receives the recognition and reward it deserves. 

We had this coffee earlier in the year, and enjoyed it so much, we jumped at the opportunity to pick up some more.