Alto Ihuamaca

Alto Ihuamaca is one of the five coffee-producing communities which makes up Valle del Santuario, one of our most tenured single origin products. During our selection process for Valle del Santuario, we often taste coffees separated by specific communities or farms. This year, a small lot from five producers in Alto Ihuamaca caught our attention, evoking memories of the flavors that initially sparked our interest in this remote area way back in 2007. We reserved this special lot exclusively for our subscribers, some of whom have been exploring coffees from this region with us since the beginning. This is a deeply sweet coffee highlighted by notes of milk chocolate and caramel with a crisp acidity reminiscent of green grapes.

Pronunciation: AL-toh  e-wuh-MAH-ka

Sourced from the Valle del Santuario region, Alto Ihuamaca represents a distinct offering from Counter Culture Coffee. This selection highlights a profile defined by the roaster as milk chocolate, caramel, and green grapes. When evaluating such specific flavor profiles, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better understand how these sensory descriptors interact within the cup.

Coffees from this region often reflect the unique environmental conditions of their origin, which can influence the final balance of sweetness and acidity. While milk chocolate and caramel notes typically provide a foundational, comforting sweetness, the presence of green grape suggests a brighter, more nuanced acidity. By exploring these characteristics, drinkers can develop a more comprehensive vocabulary for their brewing experience. Whether enjoyed as a pour-over or espresso, Alto Ihuamaca invites a thoughtful examination of how these specific flavor components harmonize to create a balanced and approachable cup.