Single Origin MicroLot Coffee
Price Differences and Factors Affecting Premiums
- Production Costs: Microlot coffee requires more labor and precision than regular coffee, which increases its production costs. Workers often hand-pick beans to ensure only the ripest are selected, and processing methods like honey or natural processes are labor-intensive and time-consuming.
- Demand for Unique Coffees: There is a growing market for specialty coffees with distinctive flavors and traceability, especially among U.S. coffee drinkers. The ability to trace the coffee back to a specific cooperative or even a single plot boosts its appeal, as consumers are increasingly drawn to ethical and transparent sourcing.
- Auction Prices: At auctions, the best La Voz microlots often fetch premium prices due to their quality and rarity. Coffees scoring 87+ points can sell for $200–$300 per 100 pounds in green bean form. For particularly rare varieties or unique lots like Maragogipe, prices can reach up to $150 per pound.
Understanding Single Origin MicroLot Coffee
- Definition: Single-origin coffee refers to beans sourced from a specific country, region, or even a particular farm. This focus on a single location allows the unique flavors of that area’s terroir (the environmental conditions like soil, altitude, and climate) to shine through.
- Importance for Flavor: Coffees from a single origin, especially from renowned coffee-growing regions like Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, often have distinct flavor notes that reflect the terroir. For instance, La Voz’s beans capture the volcanic soil and high-altitude conditions, leading to rich, complex flavors that would be less pronounced in blended coffees.
Single Origin Micro Lot Coffee from Guatemala offers a premium experience that stands out in both flavor and value, particularly for specialty coffee consumers and connoisseurs. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes these coffees special, why they command higher prices and the typical U.S. retail prices.
Single Origin Microlot Coffee – Discover the Best of Atitlán
Atitlán’s high-altitude farms and volcanic soils produce some of the finest Arabica coffee varieties in the world. Each microlot is carefully cultivated to highlight its distinct flavor profile.
Explore Atitlán’s Premier Coffee Varieties:
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Bourbon
Flavor Notes: Chocolate, caramel, with a hint of nuttiness.
Profile: Sweet, well-balanced, and smooth-bodied.
Why Atitlán? The region’s volcanic soil and high elevation enhance its natural sweetness and complexity. -
Caturra
Flavor Notes: Bright acidity with citrus and mild fruitiness.
Profile: A Bourbon mutation offering a sweeter cup with higher productivity.
Why Atitlán? Its compact plant structure thrives on small farms, ensuring quality and consistency. -
Catuai
Flavor Notes: Fruity, floral, with a subtle sweetness.
Profile: A resilient hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra.
Why Atitlán? Rich volcanic soils promote vibrant and consistent flavors. -
Typica
Flavor Notes: Sweet with floral and fruity undertones.
Profile: Exceptional cup quality, though lower yielding.
Why Atitlán? The nutrient-rich volcanic terrain intensifies its highly sought-after characteristics. -
Pacamara
Flavor Notes: Bold tropical fruit, chocolate, and spice.
Profile: A hybrid of Pacas and Maragogipe, prized for its large beans and complex flavors.
Why Atitlán? High altitudes amplify its distinctive and vibrant taste.
Join a Coffee-Buying Tour or Roasting School in Guatemala
Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s world-class coffee culture with Ethical Fashion Guatemala. Whether you’re a coffee buyer, roaster, or passionate enthusiast, our hands-on programs offer exclusive access to the country’s most extraordinary microlots.
What You’ll Experience:
Coffee Buying Tours
Visit lush coffee farms and connect directly with local growers.
Learn about harvesting, processing, and selecting microlots.
Understand how direct trade benefits farmers and elevates coffee quality.
Roasting School
Master the art of coffee roasting with expert guidance.
Learn to unlock and highlight the unique flavors of Guatemalan microlots.
Explore how Atitlán’s microclimates influence roasting profiles.
Why Choose Ethical Fashion Guatemala?
Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing – We work directly with farmers, ensuring fair compensation and transparent trade.
Exceptional Quality – Every microlot is carefully selected and processed to bring out its best attributes.
Authentic Hands-on Experience – From farm visits to roasting workshops, you’ll learn by doing.
Whether you’re searching for the next standout coffee or looking to refine your roasting skills, this is your chance to engage with Guatemala’s coffee heritage while supporting local farmers.