Finca La Hermosa - Orange Bourbon Variety

Finca La Hermosa is a long-dreamed-of farm with humble beginnings. In 2010, knowing the potential of Acatenango's volcanic soil, Claudia Abril and Max Perez began transforming an abandoned parcel with no electricity or water into a thriving business. Today, this land produces Cup of Excellence-winning coffees and boasts a small poultry farm and a quality lab as well. 

Among the fields of traditional organic coffee, there is a trial plot of over 30 rarer varieties, such as Pacamara and Orange Bourbon. Orange Bourbon is a color mutation of the classic Bourbon variety, producing orange-ripening cherries instead of the typical red. What we love about this cup is the subtle brightness of dark stone fruits like cherry and plum, rounded out by a creamy milk-chocolate sweetness.

Pronunciation: FEENG-kah lah ehr-MOH-sah

Produced by Claudia Abril and Max Perez in the Acatenango region of Guatemala, this lot from Finca La Hermosa highlights the distinct character of the Orange Bourbon varietal. While Bourbon-derived cultivars are often celebrated for their balanced sweetness and complex acidity, the specific expression of this harvest is showcased through Counter Culture Coffee with tasting notes of cherry, plum, and milk chocolate.

When evaluating coffees with such fruit-forward profiles, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better identify the nuances between stone fruit acidity and deeper cocoa undertones. Because Orange Bourbon is a rare mutation of the classic Bourbon plant, it often requires meticulous cultivation to maintain its unique profile. This offering provides a focused look at how the high-altitude environment of Acatenango influences the final cup, resulting in a structured, dessert-like experience that highlights the careful work of the producers.