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Guatemala Antigua Coffee Bean Description - Smoky Flavors Are a Characteristic of Guatemalan Coffee Beans

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 public account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee - Guatemala Antigua region and flavor characteristics introduction: Antigua Valley is the oldest and most well-known coffee producing region in Guatemala. Volcanoes and very shallow groundwater levels create a dry microclimate with low humidity and abundant sunlight.

FrontStreet Coffee - Guatemala Antigua Region and Flavor Characteristics Guatemala Antigua Coffee Region

Introduction to Antigua Region

Antigua Valley is Guatemala's oldest and most renowned coffee producing region. Volcanoes and extremely shallow groundwater create a dry microclimate characterized by low humidity, abundant sunshine, and cool nights.

Antigua is an enclosed valley surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego. Unlike other coffee growing areas in volcanic regions, Antigua's terrain is relatively flat with gentle slopes rather than uneven and rugged.

Most coffee trees are planted in the central valley at altitudes reaching 5,000 feet. Additionally, some farmers grow coffee on the volcanic slopes at altitudes approaching 5,600 feet.

The high pumice content in Antigua's soil (from the active Fuego volcano) maintains humidity consistently at 65% year-round, which differs significantly from other volcanic coffee regions that typically experience dramatic variations between dry and wet seasons. Fertile volcanic soil, low humidity, abundant sunlight, and cool nights all contribute to Antigua's distinctive characteristics.

Antigua Coffee Features

Antigua is a famous coffee-producing area. Antigua coffee is grown at Hacienda Carmona, where the finest coffee is ELPulcal, which not only has excellent quality but also offers a richer flavor, fuller body, and stronger tobacco notes compared to other Guatemalan coffees.

Approximately every 30 years, the Antigua region experiences volcanic eruptions, which provide additional nitrogen to the already fertile land. Combined with ample rainfall and sunshine, these conditions make the area even more suitable for coffee cultivation.

Guatemala Coffee Characteristics

Guatemalan coffee often encounters two common roasting failures: first, the exterior of the bean roasts while the interior remains unroasted, resulting in underdeveloped flavor; second, when the interior is properly roasted, the exterior becomes burnt, naturally creating smoky flavors.

Guatemala coffee is produced in the Republic of Guatemala in northwestern Central America. Forested areas cover two-thirds of the country, which produces high-quality coffee beans. These coffees feature strong acidity, fragrant and mellow flavor with slightly wild notes, making them suitable both for single-origin consumption and for blending into coffee mixes.

Knowledge point: Guatemala boasts over 300 microclimates throughout the country, the highest number in the world.

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