Guatemala Finca El Tambor (Washed)

12oz

Honeydew Melon, Chrysanthemum, Toffee, Oolong Tea

Region:  Fraijanes, Palencia Municipality

Producer: Victor Calderon

Varietal: Caturra, Bourbon, Catui

Process: Washed

Finca El Tambor is located in the Palencia/Fraijanes region of Guatemala, about 90 minutes from Guatemala City. The farm is owned by fifth-generation coffee producer Victor Calderón, who purchased the property after years of decline and restored it into one of Guatemala's most respected specialty coffee farms.

Originally established as a cattle ranch in the 1930s and planted with coffee in the 1960s, the farm now produces around 330 bags of coffee annually — more than double its production when Victor first acquired it. To restore El Tambor, Victor sold both his house and his car, believing strongly in the farm's future.

The farm follows natural, chemical-free farming practices focused on long-term soil health and disease prevention. Each year, Victor germinates around 50,000 coffee seeds and selects only the strongest seedlings for planting. Ten families live and work on the farm year-round, and Finca El Tambor has earned recognition in Guatemala's Cup of Excellence competition.

Produced by Victor Calderon in the Palencia Municipality of the Fraijanes region, this Guatemala Finca El Tambor offering showcases the meticulous standards of Case Study Coffee. The coffee is comprised of the Caturra varietal, a plant widely recognized for its high yield and adaptability. By utilizing a washed process, the producer emphasizes the inherent clarity and structural acidity of the bean, allowing the delicate interplay of honeydew melon, chrysanthemum, toffee, and oolong tea notes to emerge clearly in the cup.

Washed coffees are frequently celebrated for their clean, vibrant profiles, which often highlight the specific terroir of the growing region. When evaluating such nuanced flavors, enthusiasts often consult a flavor wheel to better identify the subtle transitions between floral aromatics and sweet, tea-like finishes. This selection serves as a refined example of how traditional processing methods can elevate the distinct characteristics of a single-varietal harvest.