Finca Concepcion, Guatemala

Finca Concepción is a historic farm located in the highlands of Jalapa, Guatemala, near the town of Mataquescuintla. The farm dates back to the late 1800s, originally operating as a cattle farm with only a small amount of coffee production. More than a century ago, the ancestors of Vanessa Braun Valle purchased Finca Concepción.  Coffee has remained part of the farm’s identity ever since.

Today, Concepción has expanded significantly, growing nearly five times larger in coffee production while still preserving some of the original Bourbon trees planted generations ago. It sits 5,800ft above sea level in loamy clay soils and benefits from cool mountain temperatures, abundant rainfall, and shade trees.

The approach at Concepción is deeply focused on careful farm management and long-term sustainability. Coffee trees are pruned each April, soils are treated and fertilized throughout the year, and the farm minimizes the use of herbicides whenever possible. Shade levels are adjusted depending on the climate conditions of each season, helping maintain healthy trees and even cherry development. Although the farm has access to natural spring water, the family takes care to recycle water during processing to reduce environmental impact.

During harvest, only ripe cherries are selectively handpicked. After they are depulped, the undergo fermentation, followed by a thorough wash in clean water. Finally, the coffee is slowly dried on patios under the sun. Drying takes approximately 15 days on cement patios, where the coffee is spread in carefully managed layers and turned frequently to ensure even moisture reduction and stability.

This Gesha lot represents a newer chapter for the farm. Gesha was first planted at Concepción in 2019 as part of the family’s growing focus on exceptional quality and unique varieties. In the cup you will taste nectarine, light honey, and earl grey tea notes.

Produced by Vanessa Braun Valle in the Jalapa region of Guatemala, this Finca Concepcion lot showcases the distinct potential of the Gesha varietal when cultivated at 1768 masl. As a washed coffee, it emphasizes a clean, refined profile that highlights the inherent characteristics of the bean. Roasted by George Howell Coffee, the cup presents delicate notes of nectarine, light honey, and earl grey tea.

While Guatemala is widely recognized for its diverse microclimates, the specific conditions in Jalapa contribute to the nuanced clarity often sought in high-elevation harvests. Gesha coffees are frequently prized for their floral, tea-like elegance and complex acidity, which can be mapped against the flavor wheel to better understand the interplay between terroir and processing. This selection offers a sophisticated example of how careful cultivation and precise processing methods can elevate a single-origin offering.