Guatemala: The Volcanic Soul
Guatemalan Coffee Is often considered the favorite origin of professional coffee tasters due to its incredibly complex, “smoky” volcanic profile.
The Guatemalan Coffee Production at a Glance
Country: Guatemala
World Ranking
11
Annual Production
3.4 – 3.7 mil
60kgm Bags
Average Altitude
300m – 2000m
Flavour Profile: Dark Chocolate, Toffee, Red Berry, Floral
Caffeine Strength of Bean Produced Low ⚡ Medium⚡⚡ High⚡⚡⚡ Extreme ⚡⚡⚡⚡
| Main Variety | 98% Arabica ⚡⚡ |
| Harvest Season | December – April |
| World Export Share | 2.4% |
| Region | Antigua, Huehuetenango, & Atitlán |
| Body | Full & Velvety |
| Process | Primarily Washed |
The History: Guatemalan Coffee – The Jesuit Legacy
Like much of Central America, coffee was brought to Guatemala by Jesuit priests in the mid-1700s.
However, it wasn’t until the 1850s, after the invention of synthetic dyes crushed the local cochineal (insect dye) industry, that the country turned to coffee as its primary export.
Today, Guatemala is world-renowned for its strictly defined growing regions, each with a unique “flavor fingerprint” shaped by the country’s many active volcanoes.
The Science: The Mineral Advantage
Guatemala’s secret is its soil. Many of its most famous farms are located on the slopes of volcanoes like Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
The Soil: The volcanic ash is rich in minerals that act as a natural fertilizer, producing dense, high-quality beans.
The Flavor: Guatemalan coffee is famous for its complexity. It often features a “sparkling” acidity, a deep chocolate backbone, and a very specific floral or spicy aroma (sometimes described as “smoky”).
The Species: Almost entirely Arabica, with a focus on Bourbon and Caturra varieties.
How to Enjoy: The “Connoisseur’s Choice”
Because it is so layered, Guatemalan coffee is the favorite of many “black coffee” drinkers.
Best Method: Pour Over or (Chemex . The paper filter allows the delicate floral and berry notes to separate from the heavy chocolate base.
The Espresso: In a blend, it adds a “punchy” sweetness and a clean finish that lingers.
The Antigua Origin
“Antigua is the most famous region in Guatemala.
The coffee grown here is surrounded by three volcanoes.
For The Coffee Guide reader, an ‘Antigua’ label is a mark of prestige—it represents a perfect balance of altitude, rainfall, and mineral-rich earth that creates one of the most consistent cups in the world.”
