Nicaragua: Limoncillo, Ethiosar, Natural

Nicaragua: Finca Limoncillo, Ethiosar, Natural

There's a big punch of rum and raisin fudge up front, rich and indulgent with a beautifully creamy texture. Sweet sultanas bring extra depth and sweetness through the middle of the cup, while a gentle note of red apple keeps everything balanced and bright.

The coffee we have here hails from the Matagalpa region of Nicaragua, grown and processed for us by our good friends the Mierisch family. This is one of our longest continuing producer relationships, as we’ve been buying coffee from their farm, Finca Limoncillo, since 2007, and we foresee that continuing for many years yet. The third single origin coffee we’re releasing from this year’s harvest is a Natural-processed Ethiosar.

On The Farm

All of the Mierisch family's Nicaraguan coffee farms are spread across the Jinotega and Matagalpa regions in the northwest of the country. They’re dotted on either side of the mountain range that forms the border between the two departments. When Roland travels to visit the farms, he’ll generally see Limoncillo on the same day as La Huella and Mama Mina, as they are close to one another. The journey typically starts at Mama Mina, continues through La Huella, and finishes at Limoncillo, the largest of the three farms.

Finca Limoncillo is a premium coffee farm and jewel of the Mierisch family, nestled at 1,200 metres above sea level in the lush mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Spanning 171 hectares, 109 of which are dedicated to coffee cultivation, the farm is known not only for its breathtaking landscape, with nine waterfalls crossing its terrain, but also for its role as a benchmark in Nicaraguan specialty coffee. Owned by the highly respected Mierisch family, known for their experimental processing, varietal work, and exceptional coffees, Limoncillo is home to a wide range of varietals including Caturra, Red Bourbon, Pacamara, and Java.

People

The very first Mierisch farm was founded in 1895 by German émigré Ernst Bruno Mierisch Boettiger. He was compensated by the Nicaraguan government for his engineering work on the construction of the Pacific railroad between Masaya and Diriamba with a parcel of land, including a goldmine and a farm he named "Sajonia" (the Spanish spelling of his home region in Germany, Saxony). In 1908 he planted his first coffee tree. Today, Fincas Mierisch operates nine coffee farms in Nicaragua and three in Honduras.

More than 100 years later, the family business is run by his grandson, Dr. Erwin Mierisch Buitrago (third generation), and great-great-grandson Erwin "Wingo" Mierisch (fifth generation).

Wingo has been involved with the farms since 2017, contributing to everything from post-harvest processing to roasting, cupping, and green coffee sales. His passion for innovation and research has led him to head the development of new post-harvest processing methods at the mill and refine quality control protocols to increase both quality and consistency. With Wingo’s input, the team at the Don Esteban mill have heavily invested in processing experimentation.

Erick Lopez is the Head Agronomist of the Mierisch farms. He started his career at entry level 22 years ago, working in the fields. Recognising his talent and commitment, the family promoted him and funded further education, enabling him to progress into his current leadership role. He now oversees much of the day-to-day operation of the farms. The Fincas Mierisch team includes many employees who have worked with the family for years, and their expertise and dedication make the high quality of both product and service possible.

The family employ more than 3,000 staff during harvest, and at Limoncillo over 60 families live on the farm full-time. They are genuinely loved by the people who work for them. More than any other producer we buy from, there is a clear sense of mutual respect and appreciation between the family and their workers. The fact that the Mierisch family are our friends allows us to see th

Produced by the Mierisch family in the Matagalpa region of Nicaragua, this Limoncillo lot showcases the unique character of the Ethiosar varietal. As a hybrid cross between Sarchimor and Rume Sudan, this plant is often cultivated for its resilience and distinct cup profile. By utilizing a natural process, the producers allow the coffee cherry to dry intact, which frequently encourages a heavier body and intensified sweetness in the final cup.

Roasted by Ozone Coffee, this selection highlights notes of rum and raisin fudge, sultanas, and red apple. When evaluating these specific characteristics, it can be helpful to reference a flavor wheel to better identify the nuances between dried fruit and confectionery tones. While natural-processed coffees often lean toward jammy or fermented profiles, the specific interplay of the Ethiosar varietal and the Matagalpa terroir provides a balanced, dessert-like experience that distinguishes this particular harvest.