Finca La Candelaria
Guatemala
Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon, Blueberry
Cradled by Guatemala’s majestic volcanoes, Finca La Candelaria stands out — a hidden gem producing exceptional Guatemalan coffee.
Free shipping in NL from € 60,-
Snapshot
Finca: La Candelaria
Country: Guatemala
Region: Antigua
Farmer Luis Pedro Zelaya
Variety: Typica
Altitude: 1,300 - 1,500 m
Process: Washed
Roast: Medium
Cupping score: 84
Origin
High in the Guatemalan mountains, nestled in the shadow of the mighty Acatenango volcano, Finca La Candelaria rests like a hidden treasure in the Alotenango region. This extraordinary coffee plantation is more than just an agricultural enterprise — it's a living heritage embodying the soul of Guatemalan coffee.
The location is truly enchanting. Surrounded by volcanic peaks with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean, this unique geographical position creates an unparalleled microclimate.
The fertile volcanic soil, enriched with minerals from centuries-old ash layers, forms the perfect nurturing ground for coffee plants. Fresh mountain air from the nearby peaks embraces the plantation, creating a natural ecosystem that influences the quality of every coffee bean.
Variety
Finca La Candelaria proudly grows the Typica variety, one of the oldest and most noble Arabica species. This choice reflects their deep commitment to pure, expressive flavour.
Typica is renowned for its bright, elegant taste and its ability to reflect the character of the terroir. In the case of this Guatemalan coffee, this results in a smooth, balanced cup with subtle complexity.
The Typica beans from this region aren't overwhelming in their expression, but rather refined. Imagine a base of subtle honey-like sweetness, with floral notes and fresh citrus accents that keep the coffee light and lively. Due to their delicate nature, they allow the unique characteristics of the Antigua valley to fully shine through, creating a coffee that is both inviting and distinctive.
Process
At Finca La Candelaria, coffee is processed using a traditional washed method that the Zelaya family has perfected over generations. It all starts with careful, hand-picked harvesting — only the ripest cherries are selected, ensuring consistency and exceptional quality.
After depulping, the beans undergo controlled fermentation in the crisp mountain air. This step helps remove any unwanted flavours while enhancing the coffee’s natural sweetness. The beans are then rinsed in pure spring water and laid out to dry slowly on raised beds, where sun and wind work together to achieve an even, gradual drying process.
This hands-on approach is demanding, but essential to preserving the integrity of this Guatemalan coffee. Every stage — from picking to drying — is designed to reveal the full depth of flavour lying dormant within every bean.
Flavour
Finca La Candelaria unfolds in your cup like a layered symphony of taste — a sensory journey that enchants from the first sip.
The experience opens with a burst of bright, uplifting notes. Vibrant citrus and juicy blueberry dance on the palate, reminiscent of lemon zest and forest fruit.
These fresh top notes flow seamlessly into a rich, velvety body, where deep dark chocolate takes centre stage. Warming hints of cinnamon weave through the flavour profile, adding an exotic, comforting twist. Subtle citrus remains in the background, lifting the richness and adding clarity.
The finish is long, elegant, and beautifully balanced — leaving a lingering whisper of blueberry that invites you to take another sip.
Brew
Finca La Candelaria is a remarkably versatile Guatemalan coffee that adapts beautifully to a variety of brewing methods.
As a cappuccino, Finca La Candelaria unveils a silky softness, where gentle cinnamon notes add a warm, comforting glow. On warmer days, it makes an excellent cold brew — refreshing and light, with its bright, fruity notes coming to the fore.
This is a coffee you’ll keep coming back to — consistent, well-balanced, and easy to brew your way, whatever the season.