Irvin Izaguirre

A HIGH ELEVATION PACAS SEPARATION FROM A YOUNG PRODUCER IN SANTA BÁRBARA

While visiting Juan Angel in 2022, we learned that he bequeathed his highest elevation parcel, La Montaña, to his eldest son Irvin. Madcap has purchased coffee from Juan’s family since 2014, and as time has marched on, his sons have become more involved with coffee production. For the fifth year, we are honored to release this special micro-lot coffee under Irvin Izaguirre’s name.

La Montaña sits at 1,850 MASL, high above its neighboring farms in Santa Bárbara primarily producing the Pacas variety. Blazing sun paired with constant cool breeze create an ideal terroir for slow cherry maturation and complex coffee. The parcel is not accessible by car, so cherries are transported by mule down the mountainside along narrow footpaths bag by bag. Besides the elevated quality of La Montaña lots, harvesting and processing requires much more labor and care, so the family receives premiums for the separation of Irvin's coffee.

Produced by Irvin Izaguirre in the Santa Bárbara region of Honduras, this coffee highlights the potential of the Pacas varietal when cultivated at 1850 masl. Santa Bárbara has earned a reputation for producing complex, high-quality lots, often characterized by a distinct sweetness and vibrant acidity that reflect the unique microclimates found within Honduras. The Pacas variety, a natural mutation of Bourbon, is frequently celebrated for its balanced structure and dense, sugary profile.

Sourced and roasted by Madcap Coffee Company, this offering serves as an excellent study in regional terroir. When evaluating the nuances of such a specific lot, tasters may find it helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better identify the subtle aromatic compounds and textural qualities present in the cup. By focusing on the intersection of precise agricultural practices and careful roasting, this coffee provides a clear window into the current landscape of specialty production in the Santa Bárbara highlands.