Medium roast coffee balances the beans' natural flavors and the roasting process, providing a well-rounded taste profile. When selecting a medium roast, look for a balance of acidity and sweetness, with caramel, nuts, and chocolate notes and a medium body.
Bean Source Country:
GuatemalaGuatemala is one of the main coffee-producing countries in Central America. Its volcanic soil and altitude make it ideal for producing quality arabica.
Coffee in Guatemala is grown in the high-altitude regions of the country. The country is known for producing high-quality Arabica beans, known for their well-balanced, rich, and complex flavors with notes of chocolate, fruit, and nuts with great acidity. The volcanic soil and favorable climate conditions contribute to the unique taste profile of Guatemalan coffee. The coffee industry is a significant part of the country's economy, with small-scale farmers and cooperatives being the primary producers. Guatemala represents around 2% of the world's coffee production, but due to its reputation for high quality, has an outsized impact in specialty roasts.
Bean Source Region:
HuehuetenangoSpecialty coffee from Huehuetenango, a region in the highlands of Guatemala, is renowned for its unique flavor profile, characterized by a complex blend of fruity, floral, and citrus notes, often complemented by a mild, chocolatey undertone. Grown at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level, the beans benefit from the area's microclimates, well-drained soil, and cool temperatures, which contribute to the slow maturation of the coffee cherries. Huehuetenango coffee is a favorite among connoisseurs and frequently scores high in specialty coffee cuppings.
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. It is characterized by its rich flavor and distinctive crema—the creamy layer that forms on top of the extracted process. When evaluating espresso, coffee experts often focus on key tasting characteristics such as aroma, flavor, body, and aftertaste. Aroma refers to the fragrant smells released during brewing, while flavor encompasses the coffee's overall taste profile, including notes of sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and richness. Body refers to the coffee's texture or mouthfeel, with descriptors like full-bodied, medium-bodied, or light-bodied. Aftertaste, or the finish, pertains to the lingering flavors and sensations experienced after swallowing the coffee. A well-prepared espresso is prized for its balance and complexity, combining these sensory attributes into a harmonious whole.