Don Pilo, Guatemala

Don Pilo is grown in Huehuetenango, a high-altitude region in Guatemala renowned for its distinctive coffee terroir. Cultivated at around 1,800 meters above sea level, the area benefits from cool temperatures, ample rainfall, lush shade, and slow cherry maturation, resulting in dense, flavorful beans. Unlike many other Guatemalan regions, Huehuetenango features non-volcanic soils composed mainly of limestone and metamorphic rock, offering excellent drainage and contributing to the coffee’s clean, bright character. This lot comes from Finca Terrazas in La Libertad, owned by the Vides family, a respected coffee-growing family who transitioned fully to specialty coffee in the early 2000s. Their commitment to quality was soon recognized with a Cup of Excellence award, and today they continue to manage several farms under the Vides58 group.

Each cherry is selectively hand-picked at peak ripeness and delivered to the wet mill at Finca Terrazas. The cherries are pulped and dry-fermented, then washed in clean water before being sun-dried on open patios. During drying, the parchment is frequently raked to ensure even moisture loss, a process that takes approximately 17 days to complete. This careful, hands-on approach enhances clarity and natural sweetness, resulting in a clean, balanced, and expressive coffee that reflects the high-altitude terroir of Guatemala.

"Don Pilo" from Huehuetenango offers a clean, balanced cup with gentle brightness and refined sweetness. Notes of blueberry provide a fresh, vibrant character, while milk chocolate adds roundness and depth on the mid-palate. The body is medium and silky, finishing smooth, sweet, and lingering. An expressive yet approachable washed coffee, ideal for both filter and espresso.