I'm wrapping up day 1 here in Guatemala and it has been a great one.  I spent the day at the Anacafe Central Office in Guatemala City learning about the state of Guatemalan coffees.

Anacafe is a private organization created by an act of the Guatemalan Congress in the 1960s.  Themain purpose of Anacafe is to provide support, education and training to the coffee producers of Guatemala.  Along my fellow travelers, I learned quite a bit about all of the services that Anacafe offers and their vision for the coffee industry in Guatemala.  When I get home, I'll provide a more detailed article on Anacafe as it deserves much more time than I can give right now.

During our visit to Anacafe Headquarters, we cupped coffees from five of Guatemala's eight growing regions. The coffees were from Antigua, Atitlan, Coban, San Marcos and Fraijanes.  Back in the states, I am used to cupping samples that are practically ready for export, meaning that they were picked 2-3 months before I cup them.  The samples that I cupped today were picked just 2-3 WEEKS ago...it was by far the freshest coffee that I've ever tasted.  Now, coffee this fresh hasn't had a chance to settle down, so it's not something we would want to offer in our stores, but it was interesting none the less.

My favorite from today was the sample for the Fraijanes region.  It had some great citrus notes, nice body with a healthy dose of brightness. I also really enjoyed the complexity of the coffees from Antigua and the nice chocoalte notes of Atitlan.  

So, day 1 has been amazing and I'm just getting started!  Tomorrow it is off to Antigua where will meet with the Antigua Growers Association for more cupping and to visit some farms.  

I've include a few photos of my travling companions, my delicious coffee at Anacafe and the cupping.  

Until next time...adios amigos!

-Steve

2010 Roaster's Guild Retreat

Coffee at Anacafe

Cupping 5 Guatemalan Regions