Guatemala - Rafael Zamora

Label photo from "The Weight Of Ash" by Ian Bates This coffee delivers a vibrant and refined cup, where the crisp sweetness of golden apple meets the juicy acidity of green grape, creating a bright and lively experience. A smooth sweet cream finish rounds out the profile, adding a delicate richness that lingers beautifully. Its balance and depth make it an exceptional choice for both pour-over and batch brewing. High in the mountains of the Antigua region, on the slopes of Volcán de Agua, Rafael Zamora cultivates coffee in contrast to the nearby, highly active Volcán de Fuego. His farm sits in the outer reaches of Antigua, where the elevation and volcanic soil create an exceptional terroir. Seven years ago, Los Volcanes began working with Rafael and his neighbors, initially blending their coffees. Over time, Rafael took greater control, transporting his own cherries directly to the mill. Together, they decided to separate his lot to highlight the distinct qualities of his farm's production. His coffee is washed processed, with 12-24 hour fermentation and 10-14 days of drying, starting on patios before finishing at low temperatures in mechanical dryers for precise moisture control. At the Los Volcanes lab, each lot is carefully evaluated to ensure Rafael’s micro-lot meets the highest standards.