Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee - A Complete Guide
Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee: Altitude, Flavor, and What Makes It Stand Out
A mountainous coffee farm in Guatemala Huehuetenango.
Guatemala is known around the world for its coffee.
One of the most famous regions is Huehuetenango. This area is high in the mountains and produces beans with bright flavors and rich body.
In this article, we’ll explain why Huehuetenango matters, what its coffee tastes like, and why it’s worth trying.
Guatemala Huehuetenano
Located in the Northwestern part of Guatemala
Where Is Huehuetenango?
Huehuetenango (way-way-ten-ANG-oh) is a region in the western highlands of Guatemala, near the border of Mexico. It sits between 5,000 and 6,500 feet above sea level. This high elevation is perfect for growing high-quality coffee.
Unlike other parts of Guatemala, Huehuetenango has dry winds that come from Mexico. These winds protect the coffee from frost and allow farmers to grow beans at very high altitudes.
High elevation helps the beans grow slower, which gives them more time to develop flavor.
What Makes Huehuetenango Coffee Special?
Several things make coffee from Huehuetenango stand out:
High Altitude – Beans grow slower and develop more flavor
Volcanic Soil – Rich in nutrients that help plants grow strong
Microclimates – The mix of sun, wind, and shade improves bean quality
Small Farms – Many farmers use traditional methods and hand-pick their coffee
These factors combine to create a clean, sweet cup that typically has bright fruit notes and a strong aroma.
What Does Huehuetenango Coffee Taste Like?
Make a Pour Over with your Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee.
Huehuetenango coffee is known for its complex and bright flavors. It often has:
Bright acidity (lemon, orange, or apple)
Sweetness (brown sugar, honey)
Fruit notes (berry, cherry, or tropical fruit)
Smooth body with a clean finish
This coffee is a great choice for people who enjoy a balanced cup with clear flavors. It works well in pour-over, drip, and French press brewers.
How Is Huehuetenango Coffee Processed?
After coffee cherries are picked from the tree, they go through a set of stages called coffee processing.
Most coffee from Huehuetenango is washed, or “wet processed.” This means the beans are removed from the fruit, washed with water, and dried in the sun. Washed processing helps bring out clean, bright flavors in the cup.
Some producers also use natural or honey processing, depending on their setup. Each method can change the flavor slightly.
Try Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee from Refuge Coffee Roasters
At Refuge Coffee Roasters, we offer Guatemala Huehuetenango coffee that highlights the best of the region. We roast it to bring out the natural sweetness and crisp fruit flavor.
This Guatemala Huehuetenango whole bean coffee mixes a sweet and dark nutty flavor with bright citrus fruit to create an evenly balanced cup.
Flavor Notes:
Toffee
Citrus Fruit
Amaretto
It serves as the backbone of our bestselling Defender Espresso Blend.
Whether you're new to Guatemalan coffee or already love it, this bag is a great choice.
FAQs
Is Huehuetenango coffee strong?
It has a strong flavor, but not bitter. It's smooth with bright notes and natural sweetness.
How should I brew Huehuetenango coffee?
Use a pour-over or drip brewer for best results. French press also works well if you like more body.
Huehuetenango is a Top Coffee Region in Guatemala
Huehuetenango is one of the top coffee regions in Guatemala.
Its high altitude, rich soil, and skilled farmers create beans that are bright, sweet, and full of life. If you want to try one of Guatemala’s finest coffees, Huehuetenango is the place to start.