Cravens Blog
Return from Guatemala
April 15th, 2010Last year’s trip to Guatemala included visiting two farms from which we directly source our origin coffees – Finca Vista Hermosa in HueHuetenango and La Laguna in Fraijanes. After spending time at both farms I was fortunate to be involved in researching farms for sale in other growing regions and a Cup of Excellence project selecting the country’s best coffees for export.
Following on, ‘we’ ventured back to Guatemala this past month to visit with the Zelaya Family in Antigua, along with a freelance foray into Atitlan to look at organic farms.
“Who is ‘we’,” you ask? While many families join in on business trips, they may not include packing hiking boots and pepto bismol. With the amenities being a bit challenging, Becky and our sons Ben and Adam hit the road with me to participate in this coffee sourcing trip to Guatemala.
We visited Finca La Follie, Hacienda Carmona and Finca Bella Vista. The Thompson boys especially liked our time at the end of the day as the ripe, red cherries were being received at the wet mill. A uniquely energetic and colorful scene as Mayan families converge into the receiving area.
We finished our trip with a cupping on the finca, from which we have selected a classic Antigua profile coffee with a tangy, milk chocolaty, full bodied flavor you are sure to enjoy. This coffee should arrive from Guatemala in May. We will keep you posted.
We will continue to search out great coffee for you. In the meantime, visit our home page as you may enjoy the slideshow featuring Guatemala.
Salud! Simon
Back from Guatemala
June 26th, 2009I’ve just returned from Guatemala having spent a lengthy visit with Cravens friend and coffee grower, Edwin Martinez. Edwin’s family farm, Finca Vista Hermosa, is truly special. It is a high elevation farm in the coveted region of San Pedro Necta. We are honored to partner with Edwin to bring you this exceptional coffee.
After a few days at Finca Vista Hermosa I traveled south to Roberto Orantes’ La Laguna farm. I’m not alone in believing this to be one of the best organic farms in the world! They possess unbelievable attention to detail in every phase of the process, while exhibiting a passionate stewardship of the environment. Now roasting this coffee at Cravens.
The end of my trip entailed a stop at the Cup of Excellence where I participated in cupping the top 10 coffees of the competition. We’ll keep you posted as these coffees become available.