Introducing Guatemalan Antigua Pacamara

We’re excited to announce that Guatemalan Antigua Pacamara has joined our Friend2Farmer line of direct trade coffees. This fully washed, patio-dried coffee is arguably one of the finest in Central America.

This coffee is grown at an elevation of 5,100 feet on a small estate at the foot of the massive Volcán de Agua volcano. The rich, volcanic soil produces a flavor that is subdued, richly acidic, yet balanced with pleasant floral tones.

Crimson Cup coffee buyers discovered this fine coffee during a trip to several Central American coffee-growing countries earlier this year. They encountered the coffee while cupping with Q Grader Jorge De Leon Ovalle, who develops Guatemalan blends exclusively for Crimson Cup.

Jorge ranked as the number-one Q Grader in Guatemala and number eight worldwide at the 2015 World Cup Tasters Championship. He works with his father, Jorge De Leon senior, also a licensed Q Grader, to help local coffee farms produce and sell their coffee to American roasters.

“The Pacamara varietal is a mix of the Pacas and Maragogype, and has become more popular over the last five years due to its flavor profile,” said Coffee Buyer Brandon Bir. “After light roasting, it displays notes of jasmine, tropical fruit and brown sugar.”

We developed our Friend2Farmer direct trade program to ensure that farmers receive a fair share of proceeds from coffee sales. Farmers receive an above-market premium for their coffee, which they can invest in agricultural and community improvements. Our coffee experts also collaborate with farmers on ways to improve the quality of the coffee and quality of live for farmers, workers and their communities.

Roast magazine editors cited our work in cultivating relationships with coffee growers around the world as a factor in naming Crimson Cup the 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year.