Guatemala’s 2024 Coffee Highlights: Tradition Meets Geisha Excellence
Guatemalan coffees have always held a special place in the hearts of coffee enthusiasts, and the 38 single-origin coffees reviewed this month didn’t disappoint. Packed with traditional flavors and a few sensory surprises, these coffees demonstrated the country’s balance between honoring its classic roots and embracing subtle innovations. Despite the rise of experimental processing methods in Central America, only one anaerobic-fermented coffee appeared in our selection—and it was a quiet, unremarkable entry.
But does that mean the other 37 samples lacked excitement? Not at all. A major contributor to the unique profiles we discovered was the coffee tree variety, especially the celebrated Geisha. This month, five of the top-rated Guatemalan coffees (scoring 91+) were produced from Geisha trees. This iconic cultivar, known for its floral and cocoa-toned elegance, first revolutionized the coffee world in Panama in 2004. While the Guatemalan Geishas reviewed this month may not be as intense as those early Panamanian trailblazers, they successfully infused Guatemala’s classic washed-coffee balance with floral complexity and vibrant sweetness.
A Standout Pair of Washed Geishas
Two coffees shone brightly among this month’s Geisha selections: GK Coffee’s Guatemala El Injerto Malawi Geisha Washed (95) and Kakalove’s Guatemala Washed Finca La Hermosa Gesha Peaberry (94). Both delivered a harmonious blend of traditional washed-coffee clarity and Geisha’s signature floral brightness. Notably, the El Injerto Malawi Geisha traces its roots to a strain of Geisha originally grown in Malawi, offering a fascinating twist on this globally admired variety.
Naturals with a Geisha Flair
Geisha’s striking character is often amplified by natural processing, where coffee cherries are dried whole. Two notable natural-processed Geishas stood out for their contrasting styles. The Bonlife Guatemala Finca La Linea Gesha (93) embodied the "fruit bomb" style with ripe, juicy fruit tones and balanced sweetness. On the other hand, the Euphora Coffee El Injerto Legendary Geisha (94) leaned toward a refined, washed-like profile, boasting a rich, sweet-tart complexity with ringing acidity.
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Classic Guatemala: Beyond Geisha
Traditionalists who cherish Guatemala’s hallmark deep, chocolaty, nut-toned profiles will find their match in coffees like the Handlebar Guatemala Bella Carmona (93). Produced from Bourbon and Caturra trees, this cup delivers vibrant yet low-toned complexity, embodying old-school Guatemalan excellence at an accessible price.
In the search for the next big coffee variety, producers have experimented with unique beans such as Marago-Pache and Laurina. The Torque Coffees Marago-Pache (91) impressed with its delicate structure, while Willoughby’s Guatemala El Socorro Laurina (91) stood out for its small, pointed beans, unique tree shape, and lower caffeine content. Laurina, also known as Bourbon Pointu, offered a cup that combined savory chocolate and floral rose notes, making it a rare and intriguing option.
Innovation in Hybrid Varieties
The Coffea Guatemala Chich’upao (93) stood out for its blend of disease-resistant hybrids like Costa Rica 90, Parainema, and Sarchimor. Despite the genetic influence of Robusta, the coffee achieved exceptional quality through meticulous red-honey processing by Café de Chichupac, a cooperative of small-scale producers in Rabinal. The resulting cup was gentle, complex, and pure, reflecting both traditional and innovative elements.
A Nod to Social and Environmental Impact
Coffea Guatemala Chich’upao also highlights the intersection of coffee and social history. Produced by indigenous Mayan farmers, this coffee symbolizes progress in a region scarred by civil war and social inequality. Similarly, the Wonderstate Organic Guatemala Tojquia (92) combines sustainable farming practices with a classic flavor profile of cherry, pear, and cocoa.
Famous Farms and Legendary Regions
Renowned Guatemalan coffee estates played a significant role in this month’s reviews. Farms like Finca El Injerto and Finca Bella Carmona showcased their mastery with top-rated coffees, while Finca El Socorro continued to push boundaries with rare varieties like Laurina.
Timing Matters
Though this report came slightly early in the season, resulting in fewer submissions than usual, the ten coffees scoring 91+ reflected Guatemala’s genius for producing exceptional coffee. From traditional styles to bold innovations, these coffees encapsulate the heart and soul of Guatemalan coffee culture.
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