Guatemalan Premium Huehue. – Finca Vista Hermosa – Z14 Small Screen

Description

We have always loved Edwin’s smaller screens, they seem to maintain a sweeter crisper edge but are usually not quite as complex as some of his top lots. In this case though, the cup is quite complex and balanced. A stronger cup than some of the top lots, a great example of FVH coffee. Does contain a decent amount of peaberry.

We have been friends with the award winning Finca Vista Hermosa almost as long as we have been working in coffee. The background of the farm, the meticulous growing and processing practices, the empowerment of the workers (and their neighbors) is all top notch. The farm has been in the family for three generations and is one of the few that survived the Guatemalan revolution, not by luck, but because of how they treated their workers and the respect they have gained in the Mayan community.

Tasting Notes: A great year for FVH. Best around a medium roast but a fun tasty coffee from light to dark. Lighter roasts do have some acidity, not over the top but noticeable. A citric winy factor up until a strong medium roast. Light roasts risk a little grassy note right at first crack but will develop into rich nutty/malty/chocolaty tones as you approach a medium roast. The malty undertones are present at the lighter roasts but overpowered by the more citric/winy character. The cup builds some good body and rich dark tones the darker you go. Holds up nice into 2nd crack as well, the smoky malty tones are always a favorite combo.

Roasting Notes: An easy bean to roast, tasty from light to dark, pretty even roasting, lower chaff. Recommend starting around the medium roasts and adjusting to personal taste preference, want more strength and dark tones, roast a little darker, want more floral and winy character in the cup, try it a little lighter.

FVH is a model farm. Edwin Jr. (third generation) is renowned for his consultant work on the ground in Huehuetenango. If a new farm works with him for a couple of years, its bound to be seen on the COE winning list. Okay maybe I am talking him up a bit too much but over the 15+ years we have been working with him, we have seen it spawn so many award winning coffees and operations including another one of our favorites, Finca De Dios. All of this success is modeled after his own farm, FVH.

You can read about Finca Vista Hermosa and view more pictures here: Our Trip to Guatemala

Edwin’s farm has won the cup of excellence in previous years and also has been used by Anacafe for the perfect example of what a Huehue. can be.

The original Mayan managed farm and one of the few farms to survive the Guatemalan Revolution. Although this is a farm, if you ever went there – it is more of a village than a traditional farm like we have here. Edwin and his family have very little to do with the actual operations of the farm, its all done by the village. The Guatemalan government really does not extend out to the rural areas so it is up to Edwin and his family to help build roads, schools, doctor clinics, give housing loans and take care of any emergency that may arise – I tell you they do a fantastic job.