Guatemala, Santa Clara Geisha (Washed)

Nestled on the slopes of Volcán de Agua in the Antigua Valley, Finca Santa Clara covers 90 hectares at altitudes ranging from 1,550 to 1,890 meters. Ricardo Zelaya, who has been at the helm since 1988 and represents the fourth generation of his family’s involvement, ventured into cultivating the distinct Gesha variety in 2008, drawn by its unique taste profile.

Beginning with an initial batch of 500 seeds, Ricardo managed to cultivate 15 Malawi Geisha plants. These pioneers, flourishing at the highest elevations of the farm, became the progenitors of all Geisha trees now spanning 3 hectares at Santa Clara.

The farm’s dedication to quality and innovation has been recognised multiple times by the Cup of Excellence award (2001, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022).

Expect elegant white blossom florals, with crisp acidity and sugary sweetness. Once picked, the cherries were placed in sealed Ecotact bags. Oxygen is removed from the bags, and the cherries were left to ferment for 14-20 hours. The cherries were then depulped and washed, before being dried on raised beds, with enclosed canopies. The canopies allow control over the humidity and airflow.