Guatemala: Acatenango Cooperative La Asunción Maribel

Cooperativa La Asunción headquarters is located in the town San José Poaquil near Acatenango, Chimaltenango. The Cooperative members have farms ranging from 1800 to 2000 meters above sea level and receive 1,800 mm of rainfall each year on average. Most of the farms grow coffee under shade from “Chalum”, Grevillea, Avocado, Pine or “Jocote” trees.

The fully washed coffees from the La Asuncion Cooperative are traditionally depulped and fermented in washing danks with fresh water for about 24 hours before being fully washed and dried on patios for approximately 12 to 15 days. Each day-lot is then cupped and separated by cupping profile to manage consistency in the cup. 

In the beginning of the 19th century, Don José Morales and his family migrated from Joyabaj Quiche to Canajal, San Martin Jilotepeque. For more than half a century, Don Jose Morales dedicated his life to agriculture. The most important labor was the production of eggs, which was the main income for the Morales family. With time and hard work, Don Jose was able to buy additional land in different towns around San José Poaquil, Chimaltenango. In the 1980’s the Morales’ family  introduced the first bourbon coffee plantations, whose nursery came from the region of Acatenango, Chimaltenango.

Since then, the coffee plantations have become more significant to the Morales family income and to the surrounding families in the San José Poaquil region. Don Tomas Morales Chitic, grandson of Don José Morales, is currently sustaining the coffee family tradition by promoting the growth and renovation of the coffee plantations. Recently the family decided to unite their efforts and start the “Cooperativa La Asunción”, named after Don José’s wife. Cooperativa La Asunción is the latest iterance of Don Jose’s effort to better commercialize the coffee region with the objective of improving life for more San José Poaquil families.

This is another beautiful farmgate coffee that is great as espresso.

Cupping Notes: Dark fruit, milk chocolate, brown sugar, nutmeg, with citrus and floral notes

Brew Recommendations: Espresso, drip, French press, pour-over

Farm Gate Coffee: Farmers paid at least 50% above Fair Trade

Varietals: Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai

Region: San José Poaquil, Acatenango, Chimaltenango

Altitude: 1900-2000 meters above sea level

Processing Method: Wet process (washed) and patio sun-dried

Equity and Transparency Pricing Levels

Sustaining Level: $16 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Uplifting Level: $20 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Benefacting Level: $24 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Sourced from the high-altitude slopes of San José Poaquil in the Acatenango region, this Guatemala: Acatenango Cooperative La Asunción Maribel represents the meticulous work of the Cooperativa La Asunción. This lot features the Typica varietal, a classic cultivar often celebrated for its balanced profile and clean cup quality. By utilizing a washed process, the producers emphasize the inherent clarity of the bean, allowing the complex interplay of dark fruit, milk chocolate, and subtle floral notes to shine through.

Roasted by Keia & Martyn's Coffee, this selection highlights the distinct terroir of Chimaltenango. While washed coffees are frequently noted for their bright acidity and refined structure, the addition of brown sugar and nutmeg undertones provides a comforting, rounded sweetness. To better understand how these specific characteristics align with broader industry standards, you may wish to consult the flavor wheel for a deeper exploration of these sensory descriptors.