Description
Comes from small family farms whose ripe cherries are centrally processed at Finca Medina’s wet mill on the outskirts of Antigua, Guatemala. Grown at 1550–1700 m on volcanic loam and composed of Bourbon & Caturra, it’s a clean, high-toned washed coffee with cherry sweetness, floral lift, and sparkling acidity—true to the best of Antigua. Rainforest Alliance certified.
Founded in 1842 on the foothills of Volcán de Agua, Finca Medina spans ~100 acres (~74 ha) near San Lorenzo El Cubo (Ciudad Vieja). The estate blends modern milling with Antigua’s traditional techniques and exports to multiple markets, helping preserve the region’s classic cup profile famed for fragrance, floral aroma, balance and mild chocolate notes.
Medina coordinates a small-producer network: farmers deliver cherry to a central collection point; the mill provides technical support, help with RFA certification, and cupping feedback to improve quality and income. This model builds a traceable community blend that consistently expresses Antigua’s terroir.
Sustainability is embedded: the mill runs a water-treatment plant with anaerobic & facultative pond stages lined with plastic membrane to protect groundwater; wastewater and pulp are composted and returned to farms. Medina is a long-standing member of APCA (Genuine Antigua DO), the body that safeguards the appellation’s origin and quality. Botanically, beyond the classic Bourbon/Caturra, Medina lists Caturra “Pacas”, Sarchimor and Marsellesa under shade canopies—useful context for buyers following seasonal shifts.
Testing Notes: A wonderful medium roast coffee but will work darker as well. Clean cup with a classic Antigua profile: a citrusy start (orange/mandarin/lemon) with a floral touch, stronger cocoa/caramel/nutty base. Medium bodied with a smooth mouthfeel and a creamy texture; a hint of red fruit (cherry/strawberry) upfront, an accent that integrates with the sweetness, without becoming excessively bright or fruity. Upon cooling, the cup gains roundness and the cocoa becomes more present, leaving a neat finish with nutty/cocoa notes. A balanced, transparent, and very pleasant combination for everyday drinking.
Roasting Notes: Easy to wash and even to work with. It performs best in a medium roast when looking for chocolate/caramel and body with a moderate citrus brightness; if you want to accentuate the floral and citrus sparkle, it can also shine in a lighter roast with a short development after the first crack. Moving towards a darker roast, the intensity and maltiness are gained, at the expense of attenuating floral notes and acidity. Maintain a well-controlled first crack and adjust the development: shorter = more brightness and floral notes; longer = more body and chocolate.
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