Guatemala Bella Eliza Estate Washed Caturra - An Estate Named After the Daughter

FrontStreet Coffee - Guatemala Bella Elizabeth Estate Washed Catuai

Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango is one of Guatemala's most renowned coffee-growing regions. It is defined by fertile volcanic soil, high-altitude mountains, shady humid forest and abundant sunshine. The region sits on Guatemala's northern border, adjacent to Mexico, and its highest elevations reach over 3,500 meters (11,800 feet). With annual rainfall of about 1,800 mm and relative humidity between 70 and 80%, it benefits from dry, hot monsoon winds blowing in from Mexico that shield it from frost and create a unique microclimate. The tropical, humid conditions ensure consistent maturation and excellent bean appearance. The region holds Central America's highest non-volcanic mountain range, which makes it exceptionally suited to coffee - and it relies heavily on coffee exports, producing many remarkable coffees.

Mr. Florencio Modesto Argueta Villatoro acquired the estate, at an altitude of 1,450-1,750 meters in the San Pedro area of Huehuetenango, on March 23, 1954. He initially chose Typica, Bourbon and Maragogipe, planting trees with two-meter spacing for optimal cultivation. After he passed away in 1978, the estate was managed by family members including Alvaro Rene Erwin Modesto and Magnolia Arguest Figueroa. In 2000, Mr. Erwin Modesto Argueta Figueroa decided to add Catuai and Catimor to the plantation.

After Mr. Erwin Modesto passed away in 2004, the estate passed to the third generation, Erwin Humberto Argueta Herrera, who renamed it "Bella Elizabeth" in honor of his daughter Ana Elizabeth.

Guatemala Bella Elizabeth Estate Washed Catuai

Country: Guatemala

Region: Huehuetenango

Altitude: 1,450-1,750 meters

Flavor Notes: Melon, pomegranate, floral notes, blackberry finish

Processing: Washed

Variety: Catuai

Good to Know

"Arabica" is not synonymous with good coffee. Even among Arabica varieties, there are differences in grade.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

Washed, clean and fruit-forward, the Guatemala Bella Elizabeth Catuai has a lot in common with the FrontStreet Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Gedeb Cooperative. Washed processing brings out jasmine florals and bright citrus acidity to the fullest, and a light-to-medium roast adds green tea and honey notes. It suits pour-over, cold brew and espresso, and like this Guatemalan lot it rewards attention to temperature as the cup cools.

For a more vivid, juice-like fruit profile, turn to the FrontStreet Kenya Small Tomato. Grown in Kenya's Thika region at 1,550-1,750 m from the classic SL28 and SL34 varieties, it is given Kenya's 72-hour double washed fermentation and a light roast. Dried tomato and floral notes come off the dry grounds; in the cup you get clear cherry tomato and smoked plum, a bright, solid acidity like fresh juice, a sweet mid-palate with pear and black plum, and a clean, lingering finish of yellow sugar and faint green tea.

And if you simply want a cup almost everyone likes, the FrontStreet Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1 balances acidity, sweetness, bitterness and aroma rather than leaning on any one of them. Cream, caramel, chocolate, nuts, honey and a light fruit note come together in a soft, round entry with a sweet middle and a clean, long finish.