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Highland Huehuetenango is a breathtaking lush and mountainous landscape, unfolding valley after valley stretching onwards to the horizon. Each valley has its own microclimate, creating a remarkable diversity of coffees that reflect their distinct terroir.

In north-west Huehuetenango, near the Mexican border, lies the town of Hoja Blanca, where elevations above 1500 m, cool nights, and fertile soils create ideal conditions for coffee. La Esperanza is one of several family farms owned by the Villatoro family in the valley. The farm was first planted in the 1950s by Aurelio Villatoro and is now managed by his son Pedro, who has refined quality through selective Caturra cultivation and careful shade management using citrus and native trees. The Villatoro family’s focus on soil health and biodiversity has become a hallmark of their farms, producing consistently clean and expressive coffees recognised throughout Guatemala.

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Medium-light roasted to emphasise sweetness and structure, La Esperanza starts with dessert like flavours of hazelnut praline and soft dried-fruit. A juicy mandarin orange acidity adds clarity and structure without sharpness. The texture is smooth, rich and rounded, enhancing the overall sweetness. As the cup cools, notes of sugar-cane, milk chocolate and plum come through. The roast highlights both sweetness and clarity, making it well suited to filter and Aeropress brewing where its layered citrus and praline complexity shines.

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The coffee from La Esperanza is fully washed. Ripe cherries are depulped, fermented, and washed in cold mountain water before slow patio drying. This traditional method enhances sweetness and clarity, allowing the natural hazelnut and citrus character of Caturra to shine. The resulting cup balances caramelised nut and dried fruit depth with lively mandarin-like acidity and a gentle, rounded finish that suits both filter and immersion brewing.

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