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Back in 17th-century Guatemala, instead of sipping coffee, people decorated their halls with coffee plants. Imagine that: decor you can drink!
Brazilian and other big coffee producers brought in coffee plants to sell the popular bean. But Guatemala took a different, twisty route with their coffee journey. And guess what? It paid off! Today, they’re making some of the top-notch coffee in Central America, maybe even the best in the world.
Ready to explore the rich world of Guatemalan coffee beans? Let’s dive into their unique flavors and uncover some fascinating history. Put on your lava-proof boots – we’re about to trek through the land of volcanoes to find the best beans!
Quick Answer: Best Guatemalan Coffee Beans
- Best Guatemalan coffee: Volcanica Coffee Guatemala peaberry
- Best Guatemalan cold brew coffee: Cooper’s Cask Coffee Guatemalan organic cold brew
- Best Guatemalan Antigua coffee: Volcanica Coffee Guatemala Antigua
- Best Guatemala Huehuetenango coffee: Fresh Roasted Coffee organic Guatemalan
- Best Guatemalan coffee pods: Peet’s Coffee Guatemala k-cups
- Best Guatemalan coffee brand: Two Volcanoes Coffee
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Best Guatemalan coffee |
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Guatemala Peaberry Coffee, Whole Bean, Antigua, Medium Roast, Single Origin, Kosher, 16-ounce | Check price |
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Best Guatemalan cold brew coffee |
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Organic Cold Brew Coffee - Guatemalan Coffee Beans Crafted For Cold Brewing - Whole Bean, Medium Roast, 16oz (Whole Bean) | Check price |
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Best Guatemalan Antigua coffee |
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VOLCANICA COFFEE COMPANY Guatemala Antigua Coffee, Reserve, Dark Roast, Whole Bean, Fresh Roasted, 16-ounce | Check price |
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Best Guatemala Huehuetenango coffee |
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Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Guatemala | 2 lb (32 oz) | Single Origin | Medium Roast | Mold & Mycotoxin Tested, Kosher | Whole Bean | Check price |
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Best Guatemalan coffee brand |
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Two Volcanoes Coffee - Gourmet Guatemala Whole Bean Medium Roast Single-Origin Coffee. 1 lb | Check price |
A Brief History of Guatemalan Coffee
Did you know that coffee in Guatemala started off not as a drink, but as a decoration? That’s right! Back in the mid-1700s, Jesuit missionaries introduced coffee to Guatemala, intending it to be an ornamental plant. Imagine that – coffee for looks, not for sipping!
Did you know our love for Guatemalan coffee might not have happened without a twist of fate? Back in the 1800s, Europe’s discovery of artificial dyes crashed Guatemala’s big business in natural indigo and cochineal dyes. And just like that, coffee stepped into the spotlight!
Guatemala was on the hunt for a new star crop, and coffee was ready to shine. With the government’s help, coffee farms sprouted up everywhere. They made smart deals and cut taxes to turbocharge the coffee scene. By 1859, the country was home to a whopping half a million coffee trees!
In the past, small farmers in Guatemala had a tough time expanding their coffee crops due to limited tech and know-how. While loans offered some support, the real game-changer came when foreign companies stepped in, investing in and buying up coffee farms. This move sparked a rapid increase in coffee production, with the only hurdle being finding enough workers.
Guatemalan Coffee Production
For years, Guatemala led Central America in coffee production, captivating the world with its beans throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. However, in 2011, Honduran coffee beans surged ahead, marking a new era. Despite this, Guatemala proudly holds its position as the world’s 9th largest coffee producer and Central America’s 2nd.
Guatemala is a big player in the coffee world, churning out 245,441 metric tons annually. Almost all of it, 98%, is Arabica – everyone’s favorite coffee bean. This accounts for 2.5% of global coffee production. While coffee is a major export, making up 40% of Guatemala’s agricultural exports, bananas and sugar still top the profit charts.
In Guatemala, 125,000 family-run coffee farms are the heart of coffee production. With small family farms dominating, they now make up 97% of coffee farms in the country, and their numbers are still rising.
What Is Guatemalan Coffee Like?
Guatemalan coffee stands out, especially from regions high up or with lots of volcanoes. Like its neighbors Honduras and Mexico, Guatemala is big on organic coffee. It’s top-notch!
Ultimately, the taste of Guatemala coffee is key. What’s the point of quality if the brew’s unique flavors don’t delight you?
Guatemalan coffee often has a rich, full taste paired with a lively acidity. Expect a burst of citrus and floral scents, along with sweet touches of caramel and chocolate.
Discover Guatemalan coffee brands with full-bodied brews, lively chocolate notes, and unique flavors typical of Central American coffees.
Guatemalan Coffee Growing Regions
This country boasts eight key coffee regions, home to 300 distinct microclimates. The region and specific microclimate where your coffee is grown can greatly influence its flavor, aroma, and overall profile.
Guatemala’s top coffee spots include Acatenango, Antigua, and more, each with unique flavors.
Acatenango Valley
Nestled near the fiery Fuego Volcano, the Acatenango Valley is a hidden gem where coffee magic happens. Its rich, mineral-packed soil, a gift from volcanic eruptions, is a coffee plant’s dream. Among these lush, shady groves, the rare Geisha Arabica bean thrives, making it one of the world’s most coveted types of coffee beans. Acatenango’s secret? This special soil and the prized Geisha variety combine to create truly exceptional coffee.
Antigua
Guatemalan Antigua coffee is famous, and for good reason. The secret? It grows in Antigua’s ultra-rich volcanic soil, surrounded by three volcanoes. This special setting makes it one of the best spots in the country for coffee farming. If you’re exploring Guatemalan coffee, Antigua’s brews are a must-try.
Antiguan coffee tastes sweet, with hints of chocolate and a crisp apple zing.
Atitlan
Just like the Acatenango and Antigua areas, Atitlan is blessed with rich volcanic soil. But, Atitlan stands out because its soil is packed with more organic stuff than any other place in the country. This special soil boosts the coffee’s taste and quality. Plus, being close to Lake Atitlan means the coffee plants get plenty of water.
Fans adore Atitlan coffee for its unique spicy or floral taste and rich texture.
Coban
Coban’s constant rain blesses it with super fertile soil, ideal for coffee plants. Here, farmers are famous for their detailed coffee cherry sorting, sometimes going through 10 rounds to pick the best beans for a top-notch brew.
Coban coffee stands out with its low acidity, offering a bright and smooth medium-bodied flavor.
Fraijanes Plateau
The Pacaya volcano, still erupting, blesses the Fraijanes Plateau with rich volcanic soil. This region enjoys lofty heights, regular rain showers, and lots of humidity, perfect for growing amazing coffee.
Coffee from this area is rich and flavorful, with a sweet smell. But, it’s quite rare to find in the U.S.
Huehuetenango
Huehuetenango stands out in Guatemala as a unique coffee spot. Unlike other areas, it’s dry, sits high up, and isn’t volcanic. This special mix lets it produce top-notch coffee beans, known for their smooth acidity and hints of wine flavor.
Nuevo Oriente (New Oriente)
In Nuevo Oriente, Guatemala, small coffee farmers rule the land, nurturing coffee traditions older than any other local region. This area enjoys a cool, wet climate, perfect for coffee growing, thanks to its nutrient-rich soil, a gift from ancient volcanoes.
Nuevo Oriente’s premium beans are famous for their intense smells, sharp tastes, and rich flavors.
San Marcos
San Marcos, nestled in Guatemala, is a unique spot where the heat and rain dance together. Despite the scorching temperatures, this area thrives in coffee production thanks to its generous rainfall and towering volcanoes. The result? Coffee that bursts with lively acidity, wrapped in enchanting floral scents and tastes.
Best Guatemalan Coffee Brands
Best Guatemalan coffee: Volcanica Coffee Guatemala peaberry
- 100% Pure Guatamala Antigua Peaberry Coffee Beans distinguishable by a heavy body, lively cup with subtle smokey spicy overtones with a superb sweet finish.
- Medium roasted whole beans allowing the true flavor characteristic to come through for a remarkable taste.
- Fresh roasted then immediately packed and sealed to assure freshness.
- 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Whenever you hear “volcano” in a coffee chat, chances are Volcanica will pop up. This unique brand specializes in crafting freshly roasted, high-quality coffees from volcanic regions globally. It’s hard to find another company that matches their level of excellence and diverse coffee selection.
Volcanica boasts a variety of Guatemalan coffees, and you’ll notice them popping up more as we go. However, it’s clear which one takes the crown. Peaberry coffee stands out as a true coffee gem. It’s not your ordinary bean! Peaberries come from a unique twist in the coffee plant, creating beans that are not only rare but also pack a sweeter, richer taste.
Dive into the world of Antiguan peaberry coffee! It’s medium roasted for a smooth, rich taste and an irresistible aroma of brown spice and cocoa. Each sip brings a hint of smoky spice and a sweet surprise of juicy strawberries. Perfectly balanced, it’s a bright and clean flavor adventure.
Volcanica teamed up with the Santa Barbara Estate to bring you this unique single-origin coffee. They make sure it’s shipped right after roasting to ensure it’s super fresh – a must for top-notch coffee.
Best Guatemalan cold brew coffee: Cooper’s Cask Coffee Guatemalan organic cold brew
- Delicious Guatemalan Coffee: Our Cold Brew coffee beans are sourced from Guatemala's high elevation, subtropical climate, and nutrient-rich soil, our single-origin beans are carefully roasted to deliver a sweet, well-balanced flavor, making it ideal for cold brew enthusiasts
- Smooth and Sweet Delight: Indulge in the smooth coffee flavor and enchanting aroma of milk chocolate, creamy caramel, and a hint of orange with our Organic Guatemalan coffee—a perfectly balanced, medium roast ideal for both hot sips and cold brewing
- A Balanced Roasting Process: A medium roast accentuates the natural flavors of the beans, ensuring a delightful and refreshing cold brew experience; Roasted in New England, in small batches to ensure an amazing taste profile
- Premium Coffee Beans: At Cooper’s Cask Coffee we import only grade 1 single-origin beans from the finest growers around the globe; This ensures an amazing taste profile and a full-bodied flavor; This creates a gourmet coffee experience that goes beyond the ordinary; Our fresh beans maintain their flavor longer than lower-grade options
- About Us: Cooper’s Cask Coffee is a family-owned, small-batch roaster based out of Rhode Island; With a passion for high standards and craftsmanship; Therefore, we are confident that you will enjoy our coffee; If for any reason you do not love it, simply let us know, and we will issue a refund or replacement; Beyond exceptional coffee, we create moments of connection, enriching lives one cup at a time
Cooper’s Cask Coffee is making a splash in the coffee world with its top-notch single-origin coffees. Famous for their unique barrel-aged brews, these coffees soak up flavors from wine or liquor barrels, offering a one-of-a-kind taste. Though these are a must-try, don’t miss out on their Guatemalan beans – they’re perfect for a delicious cold brew.
For a top-notch cold brew experience, choosing the right coffee beans makes all the difference. Cooper’s Cask takes this seriously, carefully selecting beans just for cold brew. Their small-batch roasting guarantees a consistently delicious roast every time, ensuring you always get your coffee fresh. Dive into the world of cold brew with the perfect beans for an unforgettable taste.
Dive into the world of Guatemalan single-origin beans! Medium-roasted for a silky, sweet taste, they blend milk chocolate, orange, and creamy caramel flavors.
Best Guatemalan Antigua coffee: Volcanica Coffee Guatemala Antigua
- Premium Quality: Savor the rich, bold flavor of our Reserve dark roast whole bean coffee from the renowned Antigua region of Guatemala.
- Flavor Notes: Deep Caramel, Earthiness, and Smoke.
- This single origin from the Santa Barbara Estate in Antigua, Guatemala, comfortably located between two Caribbean volcanoes in the high altitudes in which coffee thrives. The young volcanic soil found in this area is nutrient-rich and fresh, the ideal growing place for gourmet, small batch coffee.
- Brew a pot of this dark roast coffee for a remarkable taste distinguishable by its heavy body, a lively cup with subtle smoky-spicy overtones with a superb, sweet finish.
- USDA Organic Certified
- Roast Profile: Our dark roast offers a full-bodied, intense flavor that coffee enthusiasts crave.
- 100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Antigua’s volcanic soil is like magic for growing incredible coffee. It’s tough to choose the best because they’re all so good! Grab any premium Antigua coffee, and you’re in for a treat. But we’re on a mission to find the very best Guatemalan coffees, not just the ones that are good enough.
When I think of the ultimate volcanic, fresh coffee, Volcanica Coffee instantly pops into my head. Their Guatemala Antigua brew? It’s the perfect example of what Antiguan coffee should taste like.
Imagine coffee beans thriving high up where the air is crisp, in fertile volcanic soil. These beans are dark roasted to unlock flavors of smoky woods, rich caramel, and hints of spice. This brew is a smooth blend, creamy and full, with a lively touch of acidity to wake your senses.
Best Guatemala Huehuetenango coffee: Fresh Roasted Coffee organic Guatemalan
- This organic Guatemalan coffee is revered for its balanced flavor and velvety smooth body. The forward flavors from the initial profile of this coffee present hints of milk chocolate and rounds off into a sweet orange finish. The acidity of this medium roast coffee is mild and citrusy, making the overall cup absolutely delectable.
- Unlike some other coffees you could choose, this is not a blend. This bag contains 100% Arabica coffee from Guatemala, no additives, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED & USDA ORGANIC. Single-Origin From Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Bourbon and Caturra Varietals. Grown over 1,650 meters ASL. Fully Washed and Patio Sun-Dried.
- Mold and Mycotoxin Tested - This coffee has undergone a full screening and has been declared toxicologically safe and compliant. Our certified laboratory was not able to detect any trace levels of mold, Aflatoxin or Ochratoxcin in either of these sampled coffees.
- COFFEE FOR EVERYBODY whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a third wave connoisseur. Fresh Roasted Coffee is family-owned, sustainably sourced and proudly roasted, blended, and packaged in the United States of America. We offer more than 80 varieties of whole bean and ground coffee, coffee pods, and unroasted coffee.
- GROWN RESPONSIBLY, ROASTED RESPONSIBLY. We’re committed to sustainability from sourcing to roasting to packaging. There’s also nothing artificial in these single-origin selections - no additives, no fillers, no flavorings.
- 100% ARABICA COFFEE. Certified Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher. Approved for use in standard drip coffee makers as well as espresso machines, automatics, pour overs, Aeropress, French press, moka pot, and percolators.
Antigua is the perfect place to start your adventure with Guatemalan coffee. But don’t stop there! Make sure to try coffee from Huehuetenango too. It’s a unique experience, offering flavors that are completely different from any other coffee you’ll find in Guatemala.
Fresh Roasted Coffee isn’t just about offering the freshest beans – though they excel at that. There’s a lot more to adore in their selection. Dive in and discover the unique flavors and quality they bring to your cup.
These beans are not just any beans. They’re USDA organic and Fair Trade, meaning they’re good for the planet and the people who grow them. Plus, they’re roasted in a unique Loring Roaster, which keeps quality high and environmental harm low.
They medium-roast their Huehuetenango coffee, creating a smooth, velvety texture and a well-balanced taste. You’ll notice delightful hints of milk chocolate and a sweet orange finish. The mild, slightly citrusy acidity makes it both inviting and easy to love.
Best Guatemalan coffee pods: Peet’s Coffee Guatemala k-cups
Next up, we explore the San Marcos area. Peet’s Coffee stands out by offering fresh, single-origin beans from different countries, ensuring a unique taste in every cup.
Peet’s coffee is amazing, especially their Keurig k-cups. They make sure their k-cup coffee is just as good as their other coffee – from the quality of the beans to the packaging. Plus, you can recycle the pods! They’re great at keeping the coffee fresh, so every cup tastes perfect.
This medium roast boasts a bold, sweet taste with hints of chocolate, fruity notes, and a silky smooth texture.
Best Guatemalan coffee brand: Two Volcanoes Coffee
- GREAT TASTING GUATEMALAN ORGANIC RARE, SINGLE ORIGIN GOURMET COFFEE - This single origin specialty brings out the best possible aroma and flavor every morning. No blending in from other regions, countries or types of coffee, gives this rare but delicious tasting coffee, a flavor compared to no other. This specific single estate coffee is grown at the base of Two Volcanoes in Guatemala. Great for House or high end restaurants. Better tasting than french roast coffee.
- THE BEST FLAVOR AND UNIQUE AROMA THANKS TO IT'S FRESHLY MEDIUM ROAST - Medium roasted fair trade, arabica coffee beans retain a great deal of their natural earthy flavors in comparison to a dark roast, bringing out the best possible flavor & aroma. This coffee is grown organically at the base of two volcanoes, where rich minerals enhance the flavor and smell of each and every bean, even before it's roasted. Medium roast exhibits the perfect balance in flavor, aroma and acidity.
- ROASTED IN SMALL BATCHES TO GUARANTEE AN EVEN, MEDIUM ROAST - Small batch roasting is more expensive because of labor costs, but ensures that each bean of coffe is of superior quality and roasted evenly to desired specifications. This process draws out the best possible flavor in each batch. Small batch roasting permits a higher quality standard in coffee throughout the complete process: from picking out the correct size of each coffee bean, to slowly roasting each small batch to perfection.
- PRESERVE THE BEST TASTE, AS LONG AS POSSIBLE - We know consuming your premium coffee bags as soon as roasted is the best way to go, but sometimes, coffee is stored in warehouses, shelves or even in your home's pantry kitchen. For this reason, each bag of Two Volcanoes Coffee is not only packaged as soon as roasting permits it, but also comes with a degassing valve built into it, to ensure only natural gas goes out, but not in, preventing it from staling. Makes great cappuccino.
Two Volcanoes pours its heart into crafting top-notch Guatemalan coffee. Coffee isn’t just another item for them; it’s their entire world. They cultivate their beans on a special estate in the San Marcos area, nestled right at the foot of—yep, two towering volcanoes!
They roast their coffee in small amounts to keep it fresh and consistent. Their medium roast has a flowery and nutty taste, with just a bit of acidity, some sweetness, and a smooth, full feel.
Portland Coffee Roasters Guatemala
Have you wondered why light roasts are rare in Guatemalan coffee? I’m a big fan, and luckily, Portland Coffee Roasters shook things up with their unique choice. Their Guatemalan light roast stands out for being crisp and silky. It charms your taste buds with subtle hints of chocolate, raisin, cinnamon, and molasses. A delightful twist to the norm!
Volcanica Coffee Guatemala Huehuetenango
After exploring Volcanica’s peaberry and Antigua, don’t miss out on their Huehuetenango coffee. It’s a single-origin, 100% organic gem from Guatemala, sourced with care.
This coffee is a delightful mix of flavors – think spicy, sweet, and a bit savory, all balanced with just the right touch of acidity. It’s smooth and syrupy in your mouth. You’ll taste hints of pistachio, warm baking spices, sweet molasses, fragrant honeysuckle, and juicy apricot. Plus, it comes with Volcanica’s promise of top-notch quality and freshness.
Don Pablo Pablo’s Pride Guatemalan coffee
- Bold, rich, & complex with low acidity, and never bitter
- Notes of stone fruit, chocolate, with a slightly spicy and rich & complex finish
- Medium-Dark Roast - Whole Bean Arabica Coffee - GMO Free
- Origin: Guatemala
- REFUNDABLE - Try Don Pablo Risk-Free: Buy now, and if you don't love our coffees, contact Burke Brands LLC directly through our Amazon Seller page, and we will happily refund your order.
Don Pablo crafts their coffee with care, slow roasting in small batches. This careful process guarantees top-notch quality and peak freshness in every bean.
Dive into the world of Guatemalan coffee! It’s like sipping on a luxurious, chocolatey dream with a smooth, velvety feel. Imagine tasting a blend of spices, chocolate, and juicy stone fruits, all wrapped up in a medium-dark roast. It’s gentle on the stomach with low acidity and leaves you with a delightful aftertaste. Enjoy the rich, caramel sweetness and the cozy warmth in every cup.
Java Planet organic Guatemalan coffee
- Our Second Most Popular Low Acid Coffee! This single-origin Guatemala coffee is grown in the Huehuetenango region. It is shade-grown under guava, plantain, and banana trees which give the coffee it's fruit undertones along with the caramel and chocolate notes. We roast the coffee only to medium so as to maintain those flavors.
- No Pesticides, Mold or Heavy Metals! We use only 100% organic specialty grade arabica coffee beans that are independently tested for mold & heavy metals. In drinking our coffee you will only absorb beneficial antioxidants naturally found in coffee grown at high altitudes.
- Peace of Mind! Not only is this coffee certified Organic, it is also Smithsonian Bird Friendly certified, rewarding farmers for their sustainable practices.
- Whole Bean is Better! We only package whole bean coffee for the best flavor and so you may grind your coffee for any brewer - regular drip, pour over, French press, espresso etc...
- Family Owned and Operated! We want you to be happy! If you are not satisfied with your coffee please contact us so we can make it right!
Java Planet is all about top-notch coffee that’s kind to both people and our planet. Their Guatemalan brew? It’s grown in the shade, totally organic, and Fair Trade approved. What’s super cool is their Bird Friendly certification – a big deal that’s tough to get and rare among coffee brands. They’re doing coffee the right way.
This medium roast coffee boasts fruity hints with caramel and chocolate touches. It’s creamy, smooth, and has just a touch of acidity. Perfect for any coffee lover!
Cubico Coffee Guatemala Antigua
- Guatemalan Whole Bean Coffee: Sourced directly from Guatemalan farms, experience the authentic flavor of Central America with our single-origin beans.
- Gourmet Coffee Beans Whole: Our gourmet whole bean coffee is roasted to perfection, bringing out the deep, rich flavors and aroma. Enhance your coffee experience with this luxurious selection.
- Organic Coffee Beans from Guatemala: Our coffee beans single origin are grown in the fertile soils of Antigua, Guatemala. They are 100% organic, free from chemicals and pesticides.
- Expertly roasted to a medium level, allowing the authentic, nuanced flavors of the coffee beans to shine through for a truly remarkable taste experience.
- Fresh Whole Bean Coffee: Our Fresh Whole Bean Coffee is the freshest coffee. Every pack of our coffee beans fresh roasted is packed with flavor, delivering the true essence of coffee fresh roasted.
Cubico, a family-owned gem, has brewed coffee since 1887. Four generations have poured their love and expertise into every cup. That’s over a century of coffee-making magic in your mug!
They roast their Guatemalan Antiguan coffee in small batches to keep it fresh and consistent. This coffee has a smooth taste, mixing tangy orange and lemon with rich chocolate hints and a bold aroma.
Final Verdict
Guatemala is a hidden gem in Central America, crafting some of the finest coffee you’ll find globally. Perfect for those just dipping their toes into the coffee world, it rivals big names like Colombian coffee brands. Plus, it stands shoulder to shoulder with luxury picks, such as Costa Rican coffee beans, in quality. A must-try for every coffee lover!
Guatemala’s coffee world is vast, with eight unique regions to discover. Kick off your journey with a cup from Antigua to get a taste of what’s in store. But trust me, that’s just the beginning. After your first sip of Guatemalan coffee, you’ll be eager to explore them all. It’s like a flavorful adventure waiting to happen!
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