Coffee culture

Characteristics of Guatemalan Coffee and Altitude-Based Coffee Grading Methods

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information. Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee shares Kenyan coffee grading systems. Guatemala is located in the center of North and South America, with its geographical position occupying an important place in Central America. In this country, rivers and lakes dot the landscape, while equatorial forests and plains jungles cover the land. The Pacific Ocean and

Professional coffee knowledge exchange. For more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

FrontStreet Coffee - Guatemala Coffee Grading System Sharing

Guatemala is located in the center of North and South America, with its geographical location playing an important role in Central America. In this country, rivers and lakes dot the landscape, while equatorial forests and plains jungles cover the land. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts also feature undeveloped volcanic beaches. As a result, Guatemalan coffee carries rich tobacco aromas, almond notes, caramel, citrus, and creamy flavors.

Guatemala's fertile volcanic soil nurtures uniquely flavored specialty coffee beans: Antigua coffee. These beans belong to the Bourbon variety, one of the more acidic varieties. A cup of Guatemalan Antigua coffee, with its mellow yet slightly wild taste, captivates with its balanced and refreshing fruit acidity, rich spice notes, and distinctive smoky flavor. It seems to tell us about the bleak history of Antigua, Guatemala, allowing us to see the mysterious Maya people who suddenly disappeared thriving on ancient lands. History has erased their existence, yet history has also made them eternal.

The highest mountain elevation in Guatemala is 2000M, with the highest growing areas generally at 1700M elevation, and the lowest growing areas around 700M. Of course, there are also growing areas below 600M.

Grading by Elevation

Grade Name Elevation
SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) Strictly Hard Bean 1600-1700M
FHB (Fancy Hard Bean) Fancy Hard Bean 1500-1600M
HB (Hard Bean) Hard Bean 1200-1400M
SH (Semi Hard Bean) Semi Hard Bean 1100-1200M
EP (Extra Prime) Extra Prime Washed 900-1100M
PW (Prime Washed) Prime Washed 600-900M
EGW (Extra Good Washed) Extra Good Washed 700-850M
GW (Good Washed) Good Washed 700M

SHB is the world's highest quality green coffee bean: rich in layers, full-bodied, with acidity and aroma.

Knowledge bonus: The Guatemalan Coffee Association has established the Guatemalan coffee brand and defined coffee from eight different origins with the slogan "A Rainbow of Choices."

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