Guatemala Microlot Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango lies within the Cuchumatanes mountain range in Guatemala’s remote northwest,
where coffee is grown at elevations of 1,500–2,000 MASL in volcanic soils. The region is home to
the Mam people, direct descendants of the Maya who have farmed these highlands for centuries.
Because of the area’s extreme remoteness, producers wet mill their coffee at home before sun
drying it on rooftops, contributing to the distinct character and traceability of these high-elevation
coffees.
This microlot is sourced from three smallholder cooperatives: UPC, Coopeflor, and Asocuc. UNEX
collects parchment directly from producers and processes it at its Ixchel dry mill, using control
points that allow each batch to be traced back to its supplier. Through UNEX’s Farmer Aid
program and the 3E partnership, producers receive free access to disease-resistant coffee plants,
soil and foliar analysis, biological inputs, composting support, and medical and dental clinics. The
3E program also strengthens labor rights, environmental stewardship, traceability, and
deforestation-free sourcing, with results independently verified by a third-party auditor.
The coffee is classified as SHB EP and scores 85 points. SHB, or Strictly Hard Bean, reflects coffee
grown at high elevations, where slower cherry maturation can contribute to greater density and
complexity. EP, or European Preparation, indicates additional sorting to meet stricter standards for
defects and quality. Combined with its high-elevation growing conditions and careful processing,
this microlot delivers intense acidity, a full body, and distinctive wine-like notes.