Guatemala Finca La Tatisha Washed Specialty Coffee Beans: Grind Size, Roast Level, and Processing Method Introduction

Product Information

Manufacturer: FrontStreet Coffee
Ingredients: House-roasted
Shelf life: 90 days
Net weight: 227 g
Packaging: Bulk
Flavor profile: Rich and mellow
Bean state: Roasted coffee beans
Sugar content: Sugar-free
Origin: Guatemala
Coffee type: Other
Roast level: Medium roast

Guatemala Finca Las Delicias

Country: Guatemala

Grade: SHB

Region: Fraijanes, Guatemala City

Altitude: 1,675 meters

Harvest period: October to February of the following year

Processing method: Washed

Volcanic soil, high altitude, a humid and rainy climate and active volcanism have shaped the distinctive geography of the Fraijanes plateau. The Pacaya volcano here is the most active of Guatemala's three still-erupting volcanoes, frequently wrapping the plateau in a thin veil of ash and feeding the soil a steady supply of minerals. The coffee bean drying season happens to coincide with the period when the Fraijanes plateau gets plenty of sunshine. Mornings are often cloudy and foggy, but the fog burns off quickly, which keeps sun-drying conditions excellent.

Varieties: Bourbon, Caturra

Processing plant: Finca Las Delicias Estate

Coffee was truly introduced to Guatemala in 1750 by Jesuit priests, and German colonists developed the local coffee industry in the late 19th century. Today most production takes place in the south of the country. Guatemala has seven main coffee-growing regions: Antigua, Coban, Atitlan, Huehuetenango, Fraijanes, Oriente and San Marcos. Each has its own climate variations, so the beans from each area carry their own character. Broadly speaking, Guatemalan coffee presents a mild yet rich overall texture, with elegant aromas and a pleasant, fruit-like acidity - which is why it is often called the aristocrat of coffees.

Flavor: Black tea, floral notes, rich caramel sweetness.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

A washed Guatemalan like this one lives on clarity and a soft, sweet landing, and the best way to hear that same note in another origin is FrontStreet Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1. Every step of its washed processing - removing skin, pulp and mucilage before drying - cuts the water held around the bean, shortens drying time and produces bright, clean beans with very few defects. What reaches the cup is hazelnut, cream, chocolate and caramel with nothing shouting and nothing missing, which is precisely the kind of balance the Fraijanes plateau is known for.

For a more overtly aromatic washed cup, turn to FrontStreet Kenya Little Tomato. Kenya is a specialist in double washing, repeating the wash to scrub the mucilage off the bean, and the repeated soaking draws out a vivid, juice-like intensity: sun-dried tomato, smoked plum, pear, black plum and yellow sugar, with an acidity that is bright and substantial rather than sharp.

If you would rather stay closer to the floral and tea side, FrontStreet Yirgacheffe Gerdin Cooperative is a washed Ethiopian heirloom from Gerdin village. A medium-light roast brings out jasmine, bright citrus, green tea and honey, and it is just as comfortable as a cold brew or an espresso as it is as a pour-over.