Name:
FINCA CATALAN DE LAS MERCEDES W362
Category: Bean Explorer
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Farmer
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Grower Profile
Nicholas and Angela Hammond, along with their sons Benjamin and Elliot, are the proud stewards of Finca Catalan de Las Mercedes, a historic coffee estate nestled in the Chimaltenango region of Guatemala. For over a century, the Hammond family has dedicated themselves to cultivating exceptional coffee beans, carrying on the legacy of this family-owned business since its inception more than 150 years ago.
With the passing of the previous generation, Ruth Maria de Los Angeles Martinez de Hammond and her husband Dennis Kerry James, who in the 1990s brought the farm back to the productive and successful times after going through the severe economical crisis and the civil war in Guatemala, Nicholas and his wife Angela took on a mission to maintain the farm as a sustainable coffee plantation.
Farm
Situated in the verdant hills of Chimaltenango, Finca Catalan de Las Mercedes stands as a testament to time-honored tradition and agricultural innovation. The farm’s rich history dates back to February 22nd, 1851, when it was known as “Las Mercedes Lo de Catalan,” under the ownership of Don Francisco del Rosal Marquez. Over the years, the estate has evolved, initially starting with plantations of cotton, rice, and coffee. Through the generations, the farm has expanded and diversified, with coffee cultivation remaining a cornerstone of its agricultural heritage.
Mercedes Del Rosal de Martinez, the youngest inheritor of the estate in 1887, played a pivotal role in shaping the farm’s destiny. She expanded the coffee plantations and introduced avocado cultivation, capitalizing on the farm’s microclimate to produce high-quality crops. Subsequent generations continued to uphold Mercedes’s vision, navigating through economic challenges and civil unrest to preserve the farm’s legacy.
Guided by a commitment to quality and sustainability, the Hammond family oversees every aspect of coffee production at Finca Catalan de Las Mercedes. From meticulous cultivation to selective harvesting, each step is imbued with a reverence for tradition and a dedication to excellence. With a keen understanding of the land and its nuances, the Hammond family orchestrates the annual harvest with precision and care. Varieties such as Red Bourbon, Yellow Bourbon, Pacamara, and Maragogype are handpicked at peak ripeness, ensuring the highest quality beans for discerning coffee aficionados.
Embracing sustainable farming practices, Finca Catalan de Las Mercedes prioritizes environmental conservation and community engagement. Through reforestation initiatives and responsible land management, the estate strives to minimize its ecological footprint while promoting biodiversity and soil health. As custodians of this cherished estate, Nicholas and Angela Hammond are committed to preserving its legacy while embracing innovation and adaptation. With a vision for sustainable growth and a passion for excellence, they look towards the future with optimism, confident in their ability to uphold the traditions of Finca Catalan de Las Mercedes for generations to come.
Cup profile
Yellow Bourbon variety beans offer medium acidity and a creamy body, with rich cocoa and dark chocolate notes. A satysfying cup!
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