The Antigua Coffee region of Guatemala has a Colombian manor with a history of more than 80 years.

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When testing the samples of Guatemala in the cup at the beginning of the New year, I feel that since the quotations of Antigua in 09-10 have increased a lot, let's choose the best one. Out of the 8 Antigua samples tested in the cup, we specially select and only provide you with a single manor. it's Antigua that arrived this month. Columbia Manor!

She is not in Colombia in South America, but in Guatemala, the ancient city of Antigua, whose name is Columbia Manor; so far, it has a history of more than 80 years.

Columbia Manor began to grow coffee in the 1950s, and what we are interested in is the yellow bourbon plant she planted, which is highly regarded in the Japanese market. There was a shortage of good beans in Antigua last year. My friend Barry (Willoughby') S Coffee & Tea), mentioned that Columbia Manor in Antigua is very excellent and used to supply only the Japanese market. At the beginning of harvest, we contacted the manor owner, especially after the cup test, and purchased this batch of selected estates for Huang Bourbon. When I learned that Barry was going to visit Columbia Manor again, I asked him to take more photos. The following photos are provided by my friend Barry, especially thank you!

Ms. Margarita Asensio, the owner of the manor, in the middle is a picture of yellow bourbon and red bourbon, two kinds of cherries bear a lot of fruit at the same time, very beautiful, as well as the sun yard of the manor, the volcano behind, that is, near the Acatenango producing area.

Columbia Manor, her raw bean appearance is blue-green, very beautiful, is so far 2010 raw beans, the most beautiful bourbon species, please refer to the following picture, I think the photo is not good, can not fully show her excellent raw bean quality, in addition, three cups tested, delicate sweet and sour feeling, full of vanilla aroma, are very wonderful experience, quite recommended!

We have visited Antigua six times and made in-depth visits to major estates in the district in an attempt to search for high-quality beans that are delicate, clean, distinctive and have a deep aftertaste for guests who dare not drink sour fruit. This year's Antigua of Colombia maintains the high standards of last year's two estates. and the unique vanilla flavor and yellow wave side species are even more special.

In 2000, due to the rampant counterfeiting of beans, the authentic Antigua Coffee Farmers Association (APCA), made up of Antigua coffee farmers and producers, was listed and operated with the support of the government. A total of 34 Antigua estates joined, and all purchased Antigua beans belong to this association. Later in this article, we will have a brief description of the Antigua Coffee Farmers Association.

Antigua, the most famous of the eight largest producing areas in Guatemala, is mainly due to the fact that coffee is grown at elevations in volcanic areas and high terrain, and unlike other producing areas, which are more or less blown by sea breeze or high humidity air in the Great Lakes region, Antigua's unique micro-geography forms its unique flavor:

(1) Multi-functional volcanic fertile soil:

There are three major volcanoes Acatenango in Antigua (at present, this volcano is the eighth producing area of Guatemala), Fuego and Agua Volcanoes. Among them, Fuego- is an active volcano, and its active ability brings to the coffee area of Antigua in addition to the fertile fiery soil, as well as unique volcanic pumice. She is the coolant after the eruption of volcanic magma, has the properties of porosity and thermal insulation, and is very suitable for moisturizing in the soil, because Antigua is the seven major producing areas with the least rainfall, coffee growth needs enough water, and the moisturizing capacity of volcanic pumice here happens to make up for the lack of rainfall. At the same time, the coffee fruit has a unique flavor of the producing area.

(2) High density shade trees:

In addition to shading, it can also prevent frost damage and form a unique microclimate. Due to the cold night, there will be occasional frost damage in the Antigua area from December to February, when high-density shade trees can play a role to avoid frosting coffee count. At the same time, the groundwater level in the Antigua area is not deep, and these shade trees are easy to absorb water and form a microclimate suitable for plant growth with the surrounding coffee trees.

(3) severe temperature difference between day and night:

It is of great help to the sweetness and unique flavor of coffee berries.

(4) High altitude:

For coffee trees growing at high altitude, the beans are hard, the aroma of coffee is higher, and the flavor is more prominent.

Antigua. Information on the bourbon species of Columbia Manor is as follows:

Country: Guatemala

Producing area: Andigua

Marked: Genuim Antigua Finca Colombia

Processing plant: the manor has its own processing plant.

Treatment: washing and fermentation, sun exposure and low temperature drying in the later stage.

Appearance: turquoise, od/350g

Variety: yellow Bourbon

Grade: SHB

Cup test report: baking time, beans in the middle of an explosion, baking degree of cinnamon, baking time 12 minutes

Dry fragrance: flower, lime, cream, vanilla,

Wet fragrance: caramel, vanilla, flower, dark berry, rosemary, grape

Sipping: clean, delicate floral aromas, cherries, creamy acidity, grapefruit, acidity and sweetness, vanilla plants, sweet lime, high-grade black tea, dark berries, fine greasy, long-lasting aftertaste.

[read more about APCA]

The reputation for high quality coffee from Antigua is the basis upon which the country has built its magnificent repute for coffee from Guatemala. It's been considered the best coffee in the country for over a hundred years and, most likely, is considered among the best in the world.

Nevertheless, it wasn't until 2000 that 34 local producers came together to create the Genuine Antigua Coffee Growers Association (APCA). Their objective was to protect the name "ANTIGUA". This name provides denomination of origin to the coffee, as well as guaranteeing the quality and, most importantly, maintaining the standards that have shaped the worldwide reputation of Guatemala's best coffee, Antigua coffee.

The APCA members also strive to support other producers of Antigua coffee, regardless of the amount of coffee they grow. There are more than 935 producers in the region, many of which are considered small farmers.

They are provided with training and technical assistance to improve their growing techniques, as well as sharing improved and appropriate processing methodology.

Working together, the APCA coffee farmers are committed to producing Genuine Antigua Coffee of the very highest quality.