• Score: 86
• Variety: Caturra, Bourbon, San Ramon
• Process: Washed
• Altitude: 1700–1900 masl
• Farm: Las Alturas
• Region: La Libertad, Huehuetenango
• Flavor Profile: Marshmallow, Vanilla, Fudge, Milk Chocolate, Lemon
Las Alturas is a farm located in the department of La Libertad in the Huehuetenango region. Huehuetenango is known for its high altitudes and for producing some of the best coffee in the country. Las Alturas is named after its first owner, Don Angel de Leon. The farm is located between two rugged mountains in La Libertad, with an altitude between 1,700 and 1,900 meters. When Don Angel retired, Nayo Ovalle purchased the farm in 2017, recognizing its immense potential. High altitudes and mountain shelter create an ideal microclimate for producing high-quality coffee. The farm benefits from cool nights, warm days and is sheltered from strong winds. Today, it produces only three varieties of Arabica: Caturra, San Ramon, and Bourbon—older, traditional varieties. Nayo has always remained minimalist when it comes to coffee production. He likes things simple and well-made. While some producers are replacing older varieties with more resilient ones, at Las Alturas they aim to preserve the existing trees to maintain the coffee’s complexity. Here, the Caturras, Bourbons and San Ramon—a mutated variety of Typica that adapts well to higher altitudes—produce a complex coffee centered on balance and fruity notes. Nayo Ovalle was born into a family of coffee farmers. He is a third-generation farmer who has spent his entire life on coffee plantations. Now an agronomist, he focuses on producing high-quality washed Natural coffee. Nayo is passionate about his land and his coffee. This fully washed lot is the essence of the coffees that grow in this environment.