Guatemala Huehuetenango Region | Waykan "Night Star" Micro Batch | Washed Castillo Cas

Guatemala Huehuetenango Region | Waykan "Night Star" Micro-lot | Washed Castillo, Caturra Flavor Profile

In the local Guatemalan dialect, "Waykan" means stars or starlight shining in the night sky. The "Night Star Project" (Waykan) is an initiative by green coffee importer Cafe Imports. Through marathon cupping sessions, they continuously cup each coffee to identify those with exceptional quality and flavor, grading them as "Night Star" micro-lots. "Night Star" has also become representative of the flavor and quality of Huehuetenango coffee. As long as farmers have farms, regardless of scale, whether producing 2 bags or 200 bags, their coffee can be cupped. Coffee with a clean, refreshing taste that scores 85-86 points is labeled as regional Huehuetenango coffee, while those scoring 87 points or higher are processed individually as micro-lots for sale, earning higher premiums to reward quality coffee and receive the "Night Star" badge.

Coffee Details

Varieties: Colombia, Caturra, Castillo

Region: Huehuetenango

Producers: Small farmers from four municipalities: Chajul, Quiche, Cotzal, Nebaj

Altitude: 1,200-1,700 meters

Processing: Washed

Grading: Micro-lot, 87+ points

Flavor Notes: Black grape, vanilla, almond

FrontStreet Coffee Recommended Brewing

Dripper: Hario V60

Water Temperature: 90°C

Grind Size: Fuji Royal R440 grinder setting 3.5

Brewing Method: 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, 15g coffee grounds. First pour 25g water for a 25-second bloom. Second pour to 120g, then pause until the water level drops to halfway, then slowly pour to reach 225g total. Extraction time approximately 2:00.

Analysis: Using a three-stage brewing method clearly defines the front, middle, and back-end flavors. Because the V60 has many ribs and drains faster, pausing during pouring helps extend the extraction time.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

If the black grape, vanilla, and almond profile of this washed Guatemalan micro-lot appeals to you, several of FrontStreet Coffee's washed origin coffees offer similar balance. FrontStreet's washed Colombia Huila is medium-dark roasted for black chocolate, nutty sweetness, caramel, and a soft fruit acidity that works across pour-over, French press, moka pot, and espresso. For a more fruit-driven cup, FrontStreet's Colombia Sidra is grown at 1,650-1,800 meters and given a double anaerobic natural process with a medium-light roast, bringing jasmine and citrus in the dry aroma and passion fruit, blueberry, grape, and apricot in the cup with a lasting cocoa finish. And if you want an everyday espresso blend built on washed origins, FrontStreet's Classic Blend pairs Brazil with Colombia for creamy nut and dark chocolate notes with fine golden crema.