Max Perez has become, in the past few years, a well-known and regarded name in Specialty coffee in Guatemala. His farms, fincas La Hermosa and Mama Cata sit in the high Acatenango valley in Chimaltenango, tucked between volcanoes. The slopes of Volcán de Acatenango provide the perfect growing conditions for excellent coffees. Altitudes of 1900 to 2100 meters above sea level, nutrient and mineral dense soils, steady annual rainfall of 1000mm, and a temperate climate make for an ideal micro-climate for exotic varieties. Max began farming in Acatenango in 2010, but his legacy in coffee cultivation goes back 4 generations. After taking many trips to different growing regions in search of the perfect micro-climate and growing conditions, he found them in Acatenango, on one of the highest plots of land in the region. Here, the Perez family quickly divested the land into strategic subplots and planted exceptional varieties throughout. 20 workers live and work on the farm during harvest. Shade Trees (Chalum and Gravilea) and fruit trees are planted throughout the farm.

By 2018, La Hermosa was already winning international awards in the Cup of Excellence. In the 2022 COE, Mama Cata won 8th place with a washed Gesha, and La Hermosa 14th place with a natural Gesha. Both farms also produce Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Caturra, Catuaí, Typica, and Pacamara varieties. Lots are separated and special varieties are processed in many unique, expertly calibrated processes for submissions to auctions and the international market.

We were fortunate to cup this lot with the ever hospitable Onyx team at their cupping lab in Guatemala City in the Spring of this year. We also had a chance to meet Max and Claudia on the same trip, it was a pleasure and we are super excited to be able to bring this lot in for all of you.

This coffee is USDA organic Certified.