La Palestina - Marshell Variety

La Palestina began as a small plot planted by Don Juan Alarcón in 1978. As his family grew, so did the size of the farm as he purchased additional land to pass on to his children. Over time, the Alarcóns have worked to create a farm that seamlessly weaves together tradition and innovation. Since our first visit to Palestina in 2018, we’ve seen a range of investments that have not only improved coffee quality but also increased biodiversity. This exclusive lot comes to us from the plot of Juan’s son, Jose Praxedes Alarcón. It’s a single variety called Marshell–a local mutation related to Catimors but with a cup quality that sets it apart. We taste sweet and fruity notes of fig and cola, bolstered by a crisp finish. 

Pronunciation: la pal-ess-TEEN-uh mar-SHELL

The Marshell varietal remains a rare and intriguing presence in the specialty landscape, offering a distinct profile that sets it apart from more common cultivars. In this specific offering from producer Jose Praxedes Alarcón, the La Palestina lot showcases the unique potential of this variety through a lens of deep, nuanced sweetness. As curated by Counter Culture Coffee, the cup highlights complex characteristics of fig and cola, inviting drinkers to explore the intersection of dark fruit and spice.

When evaluating such specific flavor profiles, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better categorize the interplay between these savory and sugary notes. While the Marshell variety is not as widely documented as others, its performance in this lot demonstrates the impact of careful cultivation by Alarcón. This coffee serves as a compelling example of how specific varietals can provide a departure from traditional expectations, offering a sophisticated experience for those seeking depth in their morning brew.