Cooperativa El Porvenir • Guatemala

This is our first year purchasing coffee from Cooperativa El Porvenir via Onyx Coffee. Cooperativa El Porvenir represents the hard work of 9 coffee producing families (the Lorenzos, Zapatas, Aguirres, Nájeras, Méndezez, Sandovals, Ortegas, Martínezez, and Barreras) across 28 farms surrounding Lake Ayarza in southeastern Guatemala. The microclimate of this region is largely shaped by the lake, and these farms are well shaded by conifer and broadleaf trees - both of which contribute to ideal growing conditions. El Porvenir is widely known for slightly fermented, winey profiles that are very sweet with excellent mouthfeel - this is largely attributed to their extensive quality control. To ensure that only the best coffees make it to the final blends - each lot from every member of the co-op is carefully evaluated, with those that do not pass their quality requirements being rejected. What comes from this is the Ayarza Wine Series: deeply fruited profiles, reminiscent of wine, that come processed as washed, honey, or natural (the lot we purchased being a natural). Natural lots from the Ayarza Wine Series are picked, sorted, and quality checked, followed by 5-11 days of drying on patios. Afterward, they are transferred to Guardiolas (drum dryers that use warm air to evenly dry coffee) for 3-6 days to consistently reach the target moisture content. We selected this coffee for its distinctive profile and to, hopefully, begin a year over year purchasing relationship with this amazing cooperative. This coffee has a full and silky mouthfeel, sweetness reminiscent of caramel, and notes of red berries and assorted citrus and stone fruits.