Nicaragua | Buenos Aires | Maragogipe | Natural

Region: Dipilto, Nueva Segovia

Elevation: 1650 masl 

About: Finca Buenos Aires sits high in the Dipilto Mountains of northern Nicaragua, close to the Honduran border. Founded by Luis Emilio Valladárez more than 50 years ago, the 75-hectare farm is now managed by his son, Olman, continuing a family legacy built around quality coffee. 

The farm grows Maracaturra, Maragogipe, Java, Villa Sarchí and Caturra at elevations of 1,200 to 1,450 metres. Among these is Maragogipe, a natural mutation of Typica first discovered in Brazil and famous for producing some of the largest coffee beans in the world. 

Sometimes called the ‘elephant bean’, Maragogipe is a tall, low-yielding variety with unusually large leaves, cherries and seeds. In the cup, it can be wonderfully fruit-forward and eccentric, making it a fascinating variety to work with. Beyond coffee, the Valladárez family supports local health initiatives and community celebrations, extending their work well beyond the farm.

Sourced from the Dipilto region of Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, this lot represents a distinct collaboration with producer Luis Emilio Valladárez. The coffee features the Maragogipe varietal, a plant famously known for its oversized "elephant bean" size and low yields. Cultivated at 1650 masl, these cherries undergo a natural process, a method where the fruit remains intact during drying to influence the final cup profile. Generally, natural-processed coffees tend to exhibit heavier fruit-forward characteristics and increased sweetness compared to washed counterparts.

Roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, this selection highlights the unique terroir of the Buenos Aires farm. When evaluating the complexities of such a rare varietal, tasters often find it helpful to reference a flavor wheel to identify the nuanced notes that emerge from this specific combination of high-altitude growth and careful post-harvest handling. This offering serves as a compelling example of how varietal genetics and traditional processing methods intersect to create a singular sensory experience.