Guatemala Acatenango Washed Bourbon from Hermosa Estate

If you’ve ever tasted a Guatemalan coffee and wondered what makes high-altitude washed Bourbons from volcanic regions so distinct, this lot from Hermosa Estate in Acatenango delivers answers in every cup. Grown at over 1950 metres, this coffee isn’t just another SHB bean—it’s a carefully processed cup with clear varietal character and a nuanced profile shaped by both environment and technique.

This Guatemala Acatenango coffee is a washed SHB Bourbon grown at 1950–2150 metres by Hermosa Estate, scoring 87.0 on the SCAA cupping scale. Expect vibrant citrus acidity, floral and tangerine flavours, with sweet fruity fragrance, spice, and cedar notes in a clean, balanced cup.

What Is the Hermosa Estate and Where Is It?

Hermosa Estate—also referred to in Chinese sources as ''—is a coffee farm located near the Acatenango region in Guatemala. Though small compared to other Guatemalan coffee-growing areas, Acatenango is one of the country’s eight defined coffee zones. It sits on the slopes of the Fuego volcano, at an average elevation of around 1600 metres, though many farms, including Hermosa, rise much higher.

The estate benefits from volcanic soil enriched by ash from nearby Fuego’s frequent eruptions. This mineral-rich environment contributes significantly to the coffee’s density and complexity. Hermosa Estate was purchased in 2010 by Fernando Perez Rios and has since earned multiple national and international awards for its quality.

How Is This Coffee Processed?

This particular coffee is processed using the washed method, which is standard for producing clean, bright, and high-acid profiles. In the washed process, coffee cherries are first sorted by density, then depulped to remove the skin, and fermented in water tanks to break down the mucilage. After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed and dried on patios.

At Hermosa, the washing process includes a unique twist: the farm ferments red coffee cherries in water-free tanks for 36 hours. Owner Max believes this dry fermentation enhances the coffee’s brightness. Additionally, all drying is done on patios to promote aging-like aromas in fresh crop beans, adding complexity to the cup profile.

What Does the Coffee Taste Like?

Cupped and scored by the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), this coffee earned an overall score of 87.0. The sensory evaluation highlights several key attributes:

• Fragrance/Aroma: Sweet fruity aroma, rated 8–9
• Flavor: Floral and tangerine notes, rated 8–8.5
• Acidity: Bright, citrus acidity, rated 8–8.5
• Body: Clear and transparent mouthfeel, rated 8–8.5

In everyday terms, that translates to a cup with vivid citrus and floral notes, supported by underlying tones of spice, sweet fruit, and soft cedar. The acidity is lively but balanced, and the body is light yet defined—ideal for filter brewing methods that highlight clarity.

What Varieties Are Grown on the Farm?

Hermosa Estate cultivates a mix of classic Guatemalan coffee varieties. While this specific lot is 100% Bourbon, the overall farm plantings include:

• Typica – 50%
• Bourbon – 25%
• Caturra – 10%
• Catuai – 5%
• Pache – 5%
• Geisha – 5%

This diversity allows the farm to produce a range of profiles, though this particular lot spotlights Bourbon’s vibrant, nuanced expression at altitude.

Where Is Acatenango and Why Does It Matter?

Acatenango is the smallest of Guatemala’s eight coffee-growing regions, but it’s highly regarded for its unique terroir. The valley is located on the slopes of active volcanoes, especially Fuego, which regularly blankets the area with nutrient-rich volcanic ash. The region enjoys four distinct seasons:

• Spring: Ideal for sun-drying coffee
• Summer: Brings ample rainfall to support coffee tree growth
• Winter: Pacific winds provide warmth and humidity, protecting the crop

The combination of high elevation (1600+ metres, with this lot at 1950–2150m), volcanic soil, and stable microclimates creates optimal conditions for producing dense, complex, and high-scoring coffees like this washed Bourbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SHB in Guatemalan coffee?

SHB stands for Strictly Hard Bean, a grade given to coffee grown at elevations above 1350 metres in Guatemala. These beans are denser and typically slower to mature, resulting in more complex flavours. This coffee is grown between 1950–2150 metres, well within the SHB range.

What is the washed process and how does it affect flavour?

The washed process removes the coffee cherry’s skin and mucilage before drying, resulting in a cleaner, brighter cup with higher perceived acidity and more distinct varietal flavours. This method highlights floral, citrus, and fruity notes without earthy or fermented undertones.

What does 87.0 SCAA mean?

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) scores coffees on a 100-point scale. A score of 87.0 indicates a specialty-grade coffee with very good flavour clarity, balance, and complexity, placing it well above commercial-grade coffees.

What altitude is this coffee grown at?

This specific lot was grown between 1950 and 2150 metres above sea level, contributing to its density, bright acidity, and complex flavour development typical of high-altitude coffees.

What flavours should I expect from this coffee?

Expect a bright cup with citrus acidity, floral and tangerine notes, sweet fruity aromas, hints of spice, and underlying cedar tones. The body is described as clear and transparent—light but well-defined.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Washed Bourbon Lovers

For fans of clean, bright, and high-altitude washed Bourbons like this Guatemala Acatenango, try FrontStreet’s Kenya Little Tomato — a vibrant Kenyan offering with intense acidity and complex fruit notes. Also consider FrontStreet’s Yirgacheffe offering for more floral, citrus-driven profiles. Both showcase the clarity and vibrancy characteristic of well-processed single-origin coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.