La Voz Cooperative San Juan

La Voz Cooperative San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala. Each variety represents a distinct aspect of the region around Lake Atitlán and showcases the cooperative’s commitment to producing high-quality coffee.

1. Typica

Flavor Profile: Smooth, with bright citrus and delicate floral notes. Typically scores between 87–89.
History: As one of the oldest and most widely grown coffee varieties, Typica is foundational in coffee history. Originating in Ethiopia, it spread to Latin America and is known for its balanced yet nuanced profile.
Auction Potential: Typica generally fetches $100-150 per 100 pounds. However, exceptional microlots, particularly those with unique processing, can command over $200 per 100 pounds.

2. Caturra

Flavor Profile: Bright acidity with apple and caramel notes. Scores between 88–90, often providing a lively, full-bodied cup.
History: Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon, discovered in Brazil. It offers increased productivity and resistance, making it popular in Latin America for high-quality specialty coffee.
Auction Potential: Caturra prices vary but can reach over $200 per 100 pounds for microlots, especially those with unique processing methods. Its vibrant and complex flavor profile is highly sought after in specialty markets.

3. Bourbon

Flavor Profile: Rich with notes of chocolate and brown sugar. Scores 88–91 and is revered for its deep, complex flavor.
History: Originating from the island of Bourbon (Réunion), this variety has spread globally and is favored for its superior taste. Bourbon’s quality is often attributed to its high sugar content, which enhances sweetness and body.
Auction Potential: Bourbon coffees are prized in auctions, fetching between $200 and $300 per 100 pounds for green beans. Microlots from renowned farms or with distinctive processing methods may achieve prices far higher due to the intense complexity of flavors.

4. Catuai

Flavor Profile: Full-bodied with chocolate and berry notes, scoring 87–89. Known for its rich, bold profile.
History: A hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra, Catuai is a sturdy variety known for its adaptability to varying climates and elevations, making it a staple in Latin America.
Auction Potential: Catuai microlots with exceptional processing or from celebrated farms can exceed $200 per 100 pounds. The balance of sweetness, body, and acidity makes it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

5. Pache

Flavor Profile: Subtle notes of almond and vanilla, with a smooth body. Scores between 87–88.
History: Native to Guatemala, Pache is a mutation of Typica and grows particularly well in high-altitude regions. Its rarity and terroir adaptability make it unique to the Guatemalan coffee scene.
Auction Potential: Pache often garners premium prices, typically around $200–300 per 100 pounds, with some lots going even higher due to its limited production and distinct flavor profile.

6. Maragogipe

Flavor Profile: Known for its floral, fruity, and tropical notes, Maragogipe is distinctive and scores between 89–91.
History: Also known as “Elephant Bean” due to its large size, Maragogipe is a mutation of Typica. It’s rare and difficult to cultivate, making it prized among coffee connoisseurs.
Auction Potential: Due to its scarcity and unique profile, Maragogipe from top microlots can command up to $150 per pound in auctions. The combination of large bean size, high-altitude cultivation, and tropical flavors contributes to its high market value.

Roasting Considerations

During roasting, green coffee beans lose approximately 15–20% of their weight. This is due to the loss of moisture and other volatile compounds, which means that 100 pounds of green beans yield about 80–85 pounds of roasted coffee.

Green Coffee Beans in Parchment

The parchment layer, or “pergamino,” acts as a protective barrier for green coffee beans. It shields beans from environmental factors like humidity, temperature fluctuations, and pests. Beans are often stored in parchment until they’re ready to be processed, which helps maintain quality and freshness.

This collection of La Voz Cooperative San Juan varieties reflects the unique of Lake Atitlán and the dedication to quality within the Guatemalan coffee community. Each variety has a distinct market appeal, influenced by factors such as flavor profile, history, rarity, and processing intricacies.