Guatemala Mintaka from Unity Coffee Roasters is an espresso that combines the sweetness of natural processing with the typical Guatemalan balance. In the cup, notes of cocoa, red cherry, and yellow plum unfold, coming together to create a full-bodied, sweet, and subtly fruity profile. The body is creamy and smooth, the acidity pleasantly rounded, and the finish long, with a chocolatey aftertaste. The espresso feels very comfortable and sweet, yet retains enough fruitiness to remain interesting even when sipped over a longer period.
The coffee comes from the Fraijanes region in Guatemala, where Caturra coffee trees grow at an altitude of 1,300–1,500 meters above sea level. The region is known for its volcanic soil and stable climate, which give the coffees a rich sweetness and balanced character. It is precisely the combination of higher altitude and the farmers’ meticulous work that allows the cherries to ripen more slowly, which positively reflects in the complexity of the resulting cup. The lot achieves a cupping score of 86.25 points, confirming its quality and purity of expression.
Processing is done using the natural method, which enhances the coffee’s sweetness and fuller body. After selective hand-picking, the whole cherries are sun-dried, turning them regularly to ensure even fermentation and drying. During this process, sugars and fruity notes from the pulp are transferred to the beans, which subsequently manifest in the cup as a sweeter and juicier profile. The result is an espresso with pleasant depth, fruity sweetness, and a subtle cocoa character.