Fresh off the plane from this years competitions we have Finca Santa Gema representing Nicaragua if you have had a chance to try our La Florencia Maragogype then this may be to your liking and representing El Salvador we have Finca La Nuvea I was judging there earlier in the year.

The Maragogype grown by Mario Urbina at Finca Santa Gema located in Mozonte, Nueva Segovia offers well balanced fruit profiles with a super clean juicy sweet cup.

Photo from Nicaragua Cup of Excellence 2009

Here is a little from Mario on his farm and win:

Santa Gema is a farm surrounded by native trees and we keep protected areas for wildlife. It is a family farm and the coffee is handled very well, we take care of the workers and also maintain records of all work on the farm. It is located in an area with a height of 1400 meters above sea level.

I have a 13 years of ownership, the total farm area is 60 acres, 25 acres of coffee, 15 acres harvested production of 300 to 350 quintals (35000 kgs)

What’s your secret for winning the competition?
1 – The first secret is good quality coffee
2 – Picked and handled well
3 – Picked and washed on time.
4 – Wet Milled and bagged on time.

How do you feel to be a winner?
Thank God I feel good and proud to represent the coffee sector at the Region of Nueva Segovia.

El Salvador Cup of Excellence 2011

While the Bourbon grown at Finca La Nuvea located in Santa Ana, Apaneca-Ilamatepec by Rafael Duch Martinez is a transparently clean and articulate expression of this varietal.

A few mystical words from Rafael

This farm was baptized as La Nueva by Rafael Duch Martínez in 2003, because when he bought it he felt it like his new born baby. He treats the land and his coffee plants as a garden, believing in the mystic leaves, flowers and fruit. His philosophy on coffee growing is very similar to his life “humbleness, generosity and tolerance” with the farm, it´s workers and everything surrounding him. Coffee runs through his veins, as he is a 3rd generation grower, he oversees all the work done in the farms as he considers them his legacy.

Here are the notes of notes:

2011 Nicaragua COE #10

Finca Santa Gema

Aroma: Mango, Banana, Brown sugar caramel and Chocolate
Flavour: Ladyfinger Banana, Pear, Peach, chocolate caramel.
Acidity: Crisp Citrus
Body: Thick and creamy
Finish: Red grape and sweet apple

2011 El Salvador COE #18

Finca La Nuvea

Aroma: Jasmine, Grape, Cedar, Caramel
Flavour: Caramel, Stone fruits, Chocolate, plums and grapes
Acidity: Clean Citrus acidity
Body: Creamy smooth Body
Finish: lingering honey comb

Available from Customs, Woodward Street, Good One and through the online store