FILTER - Honduras Intibuca EL GRAVILEO

• Frangipane

• Blue plum

Producer: Lestor Marquez

Variety: Typica

FOB (export price): USD 10,58/ kg

Importer: Nordic Approach

Rob says: This washed lot from Lestor Francisco Marquez is the most unexpected find of our summer/autumn selection.

While Honduras as an origin—and especially the Typica variety—wouldn’t normally be the first choice for specialty coffee, this lot clearly proves otherwise. With its high FOB price and an impressive cupping score of 87 points, it easily qualifies as a specialty coffee and stands out as a particularly exciting lot.

EL GRAVILEO is named after the Silk Oak that are an important part of the lands’ identity. Originally, Lester’s plan was to cultivate the Parainema variety, and began with a greenhouse only a two hour journey away by foot. However, due to his high elevation, the variety didn’t thrive, and so typica was the next option.

Produced by Lestor Marquez in the Intibuca region of Honduras, this lot showcases the classic profile of the Typica varietal. As one of the oldest and most widely cultivated coffee plants, Typica is often celebrated for its balanced structure and clean cup profile. This specific selection from Caffènation has undergone a washed process, a method typically employed to highlight the inherent clarity and acidity of the bean.

In the cup, the coffee presents distinct notes of frangipane and blue plum. When evaluating these characteristics, it can be helpful to reference a flavor wheel to better identify the nuances of stone fruit and almond-like sweetness. While washed coffees are generally prized for their bright, transparent qualities, the specific terroir of Intibuca provides a unique backdrop for this refined expression of a traditional variety.