Posted by: Stephen Bybee, SCC Roaster

Our newest Factory Reserve coffee comes from a well-established coffee coop in the Huehuetenango region of Guatemala. Rio Azul Guatemala is grown by the 175 member Rio Azul Coop in the highlands of western Guatemala. All the members of this coffee growing organization live within walking distance of the community wet mill in the small village of Jacaltenango. Officially founded in 1967, the Rio Azul Coop produces around 160,000 pounds of coffee annually, all of which is a high quality SHB (strictly hard bean) grown at altitudes between 1200 and 1600 meters. The members of this coop belong to the Jacaltec group, a subset of the Mayan peoples of Guatemala. This coop is also involved in a beekeeping project which at first glance may not seem to have much in common with growing and harvesting coffee. Originally funded by Oxfam, the Rio Azul beekeeping project employs 28 members of the coop in the production of 15,000 pounds of honey each year. The sale of this honey is used as an alternative income source of the coop members. The beekeeping project also produces a symbiotic benefit for the coffee plants themselves by improving the pollenation from plant to plant, thus increasing the yield of the coffee crop. The Rio Azul Coop has not only provided its member growers a direct market and a stable price for their coffee, it has additionally provided the village of Jacaltenango with a small clinic and computer lab funded by the sales of their coffee. The computer lab and clinic are both available for use by members of the community. You may view some photos of the coop at their website .

Beginning March 5, you may purchase our Rio Azul Guatemala in Our Stores or Online. This high grown coffee displays a suprisingly rich, warm aroma. The light, clean body is accompanied by the subtle flavor of chocolate and by a delicate tingle with every sip. This coffee has been certified as Socially Responsible. So grab a pound, and sip slowly!