Guatemala Antigua

For more general information about Guatemalan coffees, see: Guatemala Coffee.

The Antigua coffee region is one of the better known in Guatemala thanks to both the quality and quantity the region puts out. Nestled in the valley of 3 volcanos, it sits over 1,500 meters above sea level and has ideal coffee growing conditions - rich soils, ample rain and sun and relatively consistent temperatures.

The climate makes for not only a robust growing environment for the coffee, but also a beautiful, paradise-like vacationing destination.

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• About
• Review
• Espresso
• Starbucks Guatemala Antigua
• Coffee Farm Tours

About

• Growing Altitude: 1,500 - 1,800 meters above sea level
• Arabica Variety: Caturra, Bourbon
• Harvest Period: December - April
• Milling Process: Washed, Sun-dried
• Aroma: Floral, Citrus
• Flavor: Chocolate, Caramel Sweetness, Citrusy (Orange)
• Body: Full
• Acidity: Bright, Lemony

Guatemala Antigua coffees are Strictly Hard Bean coffees grown at elevations from 4,600 feet to 5,600 feet where the temperatures range from 66 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 22 Celsius).

The rainfall in this region is usually between 800 mm and 1,200 mm each year with a humidity that stays relatively constant at around 65%.

Distinct dry seasons and wet seasons provide for a consistent climate that leads to a uniformity of maturation among the coffee plants, with green coffee harvesting typically occurring from January to the middle of March.

Review

Generally considered to be the finest premium coffee grown in Guatemala, Antigua is known to exhibit the typical Guatemalan coffee qualities which include a full body (heavier than the typical Central American coffee) and spicy flavor that is often very rich, even velvety.

The coffee bean can take a Dark Roast providing a pleasing, smoky cup of brewed coffee.

Espresso

Guatemala's relatively consistent climate produces world-class coffees with distinctive flavors, that shine well into a darker ("espresso") roast.

Coffee plant types grown in the Antigua region include the Arabica varietals Catuai (Coffea arabica var. catuai), Caturra (Coffea arabica var. caturra), and Bourbon (Coffea arabica var. bourbon).

Starbucks Guatemala Antigua

Select Starbucks locations have recently been carrying their own Antigua as part of their "Starbucks Reserve" offerings.

Coffee Farm Tours

Coffee farm tours are a popular tourist attraction in Antigua. With a large coffee producing region you can find a number of farms to visit where you can learn the ins-and-outs of growing coffee, harvesting it, processing it and roasting it.

They say that the only thing you can do after picking coffee is make it worse, and having fresh harvested and roasted coffee right from the source is an experience you'll never forget. Tours typically cost around $25 USD.