Introduction to Guatemala Antigua Coffee Las Nubes Estate_ Antigua Coffee Bean Recommendations

Guatemala Antigua Coffee — Las Nubes Estate

Las Nubes PACAMARA

Las Nubes Estate has grown coffee since the 1970s. It sits in Antigua, Guatemala, on the slopes of the Acatenango volcano, at an altitude of 1500 to 1800 meters, covering 53 hectares with an annual production of about 58 tons. A member of the Antigua Coffee Growers Association, the estate is currently owned by Pedro Echeverria. The geography here keeps the estate wrapped in clouds and mist year-round, which is where the name Las Nubes — "Clouds" — comes from. The moisture held in the surrounding clouds is absorbed by the coffee trees and nourishes the fertile volcanic soil.

Coffee Details

Competition Green Bean Supplier: Xi Pei Coffee

Country: Guatemala

Region: Antigua

Altitude: 1500-1800 meters

Average Temperature: 18-22°C

Harvest Season: 2017-2018

Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1800+ mm

Harvest Time: February-May

Cupping Score: 90

Flavor Notes: Fruit gummy candy, citrus acidity, lemon-mint aftertaste, with rich overall complexity

Processing: Washed

Variety: Pacamara

Bean Size: 17-20

Specification: 46KG/bag, micro-lot

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

For a clean, brightly acidic washed coffee in the same vein, FrontStreet's Yirgacheffe Gudingding is a fine place to start. The Gudingding cooperative is a skilled processing team from Gudingding village whose carefully washed lots are prized for their especially refined, clean flavor. The washed process lets jasmine florals and a bright citric acidity come through fully, and a medium-light roast adds green tea and honey notes. It suits pour-over, cold brew, and espresso alike.

If you want a more vivid, layered acidity, FrontStreet's Kenya Little Tomato is worth trying. Kenya is particularly adept at double-washed processing, and this coffee comes from the Thika region at 1550–1750 meters, planted with the classic SL28 and SL34 varieties. Washing and soaking the beans repeatedly draws out the fruit character to the fullest: expect cherry tomato, smoked plum, pear, and black plum notes, with a sweet-and-sour, juicy mouthfeel that has made it a favorite among many coffee players.

For a balanced, classic washed cup, FrontStreet's Jamaican Blue Mountain No.1 is hard to beat. Jamaica is an island climate with relatively short daylight hours, so washed processing was developed to reduce the risk of the beans spoiling: removing the skin, pulp, and mucilage before drying cuts the moisture around the bean and shortens drying time, producing beans with a translucent appearance and a low defect rate. The washing preserves Blue Mountain's rich, pure aromas of hazelnut, cream, chocolate, and caramel, with a balanced body and no single flavor overpowering or missing.