Silver Oak Coffee - Single Estate: Finca Santa Isabel, Guatemala

Santa Isabel was first aquired by the Valdes family in 1875 when the land was granted to the family by the then president. It slipped from the family's control briefly following an inheritance but was re-aquired in 1960. Coffee production recommenced in 1965.

The farm is now run by two generations of the Valdes family. With a background in agronomy and a passion for coffee, the family have elevated the growing and processing practices to such an extent that they have placed in the Cup of Excellence program twice in the last decade.

Innovative and painstaking pruning schedules have reduced the farm's exposure to coffee leaf rust and also reduced the need for chemical fertilisers. The climate of this region means that flowering is staggered resulting in multiple passes being made to ensure only the ripest of cherries are picked. Processing is undertaken on the farm and drying takes place using wooden boxes and greenhouses since there are few days when rain does not fall. Mechanical dryers complete the process.

I roast this coffee to a lighter degree than I do pulped naturals to accentuate the fruity notes.