Guatemala Andrés Recinos Pérez

This coffee is from Andrés Recinos Pérez and won first place at the CODECH Competition 2026. High in Guatemala's Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountains, CODECH (Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Desarrollo de Concepción Huista) brings together three producer cooperatives representing Popti, Mam, and Q'anjob'al Mayan farming communities. In recent years, CODECH has invested in producer specific microlots and an annual internal cupping competition, encouraging farmers to refine quality, celebrate standout coffees, and earn recognition for their work.

Randy Evans and Daniel Gunter attended the CODECH Competition 2026 in Huehuetenango. Daniel said this was his highest scoring coffee through the competition, and Andrés’ coffee was very clean, bright, and crisp with seemingly endless layers. It jumps out with sparkling acidity and notes of watermelon candy, fresh berries, peach, mango, guava, citrus zest, and jasmine. All held up with a base of malted milk chocolate and honey, finishing with lingering notes of jasmine, lemongrass, and "light pink and purple" according to Daniel.

Sourced from the rugged Sierra de los Cuchumatanes region, this lot from producer Andrés Recinos Pérez showcases the diverse potential of Guatemalan coffee. Roasted by Evans Brothers Coffee, the profile is remarkably vibrant, balancing bright, fruit-forward acidity with a comforting, sweet foundation. The cup presents a complex array of flavors, ranging from watermelon candy, fresh berries, and tropical notes like mango, guava, and peach to delicate aromatics of jasmine and lemongrass. A subtle citrus zest provides lift, while the finish is grounded by notes of honey and malted milk chocolate.

When exploring such a wide spectrum of flavors, it can be helpful to consult a flavor wheel to better categorize these distinct sensory experiences. While every harvest is unique, coffees from high-elevation regions often exhibit a refined clarity and sweetness that makes them a favorite among those seeking both complexity and balance in their morning brew.