Antigua is internationally renowned for its high-quality coffees. Located between three volcanoes in a valley with a climate perfect for cultivating coffee, an annual rainfall of 1800-200 mm per year, relative humidity as high as 75%, and average temperatures of 73°f. The soils are volcanic, profound, well drained, and with high contents of organic matter. Coffee is grown among fruit orchards, basic grains, ornamental plants and thousand-year-old virgin forests.

Shade-grown coffee is one of the most environmentally benign crops in the world and is perhaps the ideal agro-forestry crop. The use of large trees for shading coffee is a Guatemalan coffee-growing custom and is said to have been developed here. Coffee grown under the proper level of shade takes longer to develop, which favors the development of rich and complex flavors. This is an exceptionally sweet, delightful coffee, flavorful without being overpowering.

Invariably newcomers to my shop ask for my " favorite coffee" and more often they ask for my "most popular coffee." While the answer to this question has little to do ultimately with what appeals to you personally as a coffee drinker, the answer to this question is soundly irrefutable. Guatemalan coffee is a crowd pleaser; it embodies the essential answer to the question, "What makes a specialty coffee extraordinary?"

Needless to say, each year I wait with great anticipation for new crop Guatemalan coffee. When something as bright and floral and complex as Antigua from Los Volcanes arrives in the shop, it's almost shocking. I recommend that you run, do not walk, and get your hands on some of this immediately. If you're not impressed by the bright, almost iridescent floral quality of this coffee, allow it to cool in your cup. A great deal of the sweet floral essence of this coffee can be attributed to acidity. Keep in mind that when cupping coffee, acidity is what gives coffee it's bright, lively fruit and wine flavors and floral aspects. There is also an earthy, smokey, malty aspect that gives this coffee an amazing rich flavor and vital aroma!