Guatemala: Huehuetenango

Roast Level: Light/Medium
Tasting Notes: Cashew, Toffee, Dried Cranberry, Stroopwafel
Origin: Huehuetenango, Guatemala
Elevation: 1700 meters
Varietals: Caturra
Process: Washed
Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade

This exceptional coffee hails from the vibrant Huehuetenango region of Guatemala, home to the AAPICAFI Cooperative, established in 2013. AAPICAFI stands for the "Association of Beekeepers and Coffee Growers," reflecting its deep commitment to environmental preservation and biodiversity. This Fairtrade and Organic certified cooperative integrates beekeeping and coffee cultivation to support the local ecosystem, ensuring a thriving habitat for honeybees critical to pollination and the region’s natural balance.

Huehuetenango, nestled in the western highlands near the Mexican border, is renowned for its ideal coffee-growing conditions. The region’s high altitudes, abundant water sources, traditional coffee varieties, and diverse microclimates produce some of the finest coffees in Latin America. Known for its versatility, Huehuetenango offers a range of profiles from chocolate-forward blends to vibrant, fruit-driven microlots.

The meticulous care and dedication of the AAPICAFI members shine through in every bean, from sustainable farming practices to the expertly washed process that highlights the coffee’s nuanced flavor profile.

This Guatemala Huehuetenango coffee is a tribute to the very beginning of King's Gambit Coffee's roasting journey in 2018. It all started with a Guatemalan coffee, roasted on a makeshift air popcorn contraption in Joe and Laura's home. Joe’s passion for coffee sparked Laura’s curiosity, inspiring her to see beyond the typical light-and-sweet cup or the on-the-go caffeine fix—and to go all in. Together, they discovered how exceptional coffee could truly shine.

Choosing this bean is their way of honoring those early days of curiosity and determination. Laura selected it for its beautiful flavor profile—cashew nuts, toffee, dried cranberries, and a hint of stroopwafel—and for what it symbolizes: the foundation of King's Gambit Coffee Co.

This coffee celebrates how far they’ve come, from a tiny roasting experiment to sharing their craft with you. It’s a heartfelt reminder of their roots and the journey that continues to inspire them every day.