The Buena Esperanza lot from Hacienda Santa Rosa Alfaro in Huehuetenango, Guatemala was one of our most popular coffees last year. Though it arrived much delayed, it had an instant following. Calen from Voltage competed at the NERBC with it which was a footnote to third generation owner Gustavo Alfaro's visit to Cambridge last year. Gustavo got to hang with us at barismo, Voltage, Simon's, and a few other neighborhood haunts in a whirlwind tour of our town.
Gustavo's coffee is milled and awaiting shipment to us, but thanks to an invite to the World Barista Championship side brew bar, we arranged a little extra to be air freighted to us ahead of normal shipping schedule. When we committed to the WBC, we knew Gustavo would love that chance to be featured and have worked to make it happen. Most of that air freighted lot is headed out to Vienna shortly but we are planning on having a little bit for a tasting with 'El Catador' Silas Moulton over at dwelltime this coming Tuesday at 3pm. Silas spent several weeks living and working at Hacienda Santa Rosa during the peak of their harvest. He did many varying experiments on the farm and learned a lot in the process. The finale of which was a plaque installed by Gustavo to note how far the farm had come that was placed at the entrance to the Buena Esperanza lot.
It was a humbling and unique experience on our side that really put into perspective how much goes into making a great coffee. The same lot we worked on was split in half, one part going to us with the other going to the Cup of Excellence placing 4th in the rankings. A huge turn for a farm that not long ago was not selling microlots or doing any direct trade.
Join us over at dwelltime (364 Broadway, Cambridge, MA) the 29th of May at 3pm for samples of Syphon brews featuring the Buena Esperanza a week off dry mill. Get a conversation with Silas and a unique taste experience. This event is free but the supply is limited so first come, first served.
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| Gustavo Alfaro at the Cup of Excellence competition. |
