Vista al Bosque

Guatemala is well known for its exceptional coffee production. The country has a number of micro regions and thus differentiated producing regions delivering a vast array of coffees. Of the three non-volcanic regions, Huehuetenango is the highest and driest under cultivation. This area is one of the best regions in Guatemala for coffee production. Huehuetenango borders the east side Mexico and is at the foot of the Cuchumatanes, the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America. Interestingly, this region is protected from frost due to the hot air which originates in the Mexican Tehuantepec plain. The region has an almost unlimited number of rivers and streams, so a mill can be located just about anywhere.

Despite its ideal growing conditions, Huehuetenango does face certain challenges.

Foremost is its extreme remoteness, which requires most producers to process their own coffee. Both a good and bad thing, this means that education is a must for best practices or inconsistency and low quality is sure to ensue. Fortunately, our partners on the ground, TG Labs, with the help of Otto Herrera of the esteemed Finca La Esperanza, began working with the Castillo family to improve their coffee.

The Castillo’s Finca Vista al Bosque is in the municipality Hoja Blanca and literally on the last mountain range before reaching the Mexican border of La Mesilla.

The farm is actually now divided into 4 sections, which are run by Felino Castillo and his three sons, Wilmer, Edwin and Arsenio. In total there are 300 hectares with 210 coffee plants. Vista al Bosque is a great example of the Huehuetenango region and hard work. This lot is stunning in the cup, has great body and gorgeous peach and honey flavour notes.

Basket: 20g VST In: 21.5g Out: 44g Time: 29sec Temp: 94.5°C