STORY

Guatemala Blue Ayarza

We are so excited to have Blue Ayarza natural back in our mugs and on our shelves! This is a juicy, full-bodied, and sweet natural with some almond and cane sugar notes that complement the primary notes of strawberry and vanilla. This coffee will stand up to a little cream or milk but we recommend this one to be tried on it's own as that is how it will shine. If you prefer a little more milk in your coffee, try our medium or dark drip!

Laguna de Ayarza (Lake Ayarza) is a crater lake in the Santa Rosa department of Guatemala. It is known locally as Laguna Azul (Blue Lake). Lake Ayarza was formed around 20,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The lake has a surface area of 14km² and is located at 1,400masl. According to local legend, the true nature of the lake is far more mysterious. Some say it is connected to the ocean, the actual depth is unknown, and that an expedition to find the bottom ended in tragic failure. We do know Lake Ayarza is in a remote location and access is difficult. This means it has remained in pristine condition with only around 10 houses built around its edge.

The finest cherries are delivered by local smallholders in their own trucks first to the Ayarza Cherry Mill for quality verification. Second, the cherries are sent to Amatitlan where the drying conditions are superior. There they spend 10-15 days on the patio drying in the sun. To finish the cherries are mechanically dried to remove the last couple of points of moisture from the beans.