Fraijanes, Guatemala
Item information
Classic: El Santo
Item information
Cocoa, Cherry, Lemon
Description
Variety: Bourbon, Typica
Processing: Washed
Origin: Fraijanes, Guatemala
Producers: Smallholder Farmers
Altitude: 1900-2100M
The history of farming in Fraijanes runs deep, with the ̈Juanes Friars ̈ (hence the name), bringing coffee to the region over 200 years ago. The soil in Fraijanes is characterized as sandy loam, which is due to the combination of fresh ash from the Pacaya Volcano, silt, and clay. Nestled between Los Pinos Lagoon, Cerro Redondo Volcano, and Lake Amatitlan is Beneficio San Victor. The mill, located in the town of Los Verdes, has been owned and operated by the Molina family since the 1990s and serves as a hub for farmers in the region to process their coffees.
El Santo is washed and sun-dried on patios, the most common way that we see Guatemalan coffee prepared. And for good reason - the resulting brew is smooth and flavorful, with a strong chocolatey base accented by brighter touches of cherry and lemon. When you think of solid Guatemalan coffee, this is the profile that springs to mind and it's a true delight to feature such a dependably delicious coffee in the club's lineup.
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3.5 out of 5
Peanuts and fruit.
The body of El Santo is indeed chocolatey, with the clarity one expects from a washed bean. I find a consistent peanut taste in the darker notes. The acidity is subtle, but when it comes through it's hard to place. Maybe grape? I don't get strong citric acid. All in all, this is an easy cup with enough dynamism to play with.
Jacob MacDonald
Dallas
Member Since
April '18
2.5 out of 5
OK but not great
I need to improve my method to get the best from this coffee. I am making the grind finer, the water hotter, the ration of coffee to water higher, will try with the metal filter. Otherwise, this coffee lacks character. It was mellow, virtually no acidity that I could detect. I will keep trying to find a way to bring out its best.
Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett
New York
Member Since
December '21
3.0 out of 5
Fine, not my favorite
This is a good $15 bag of coffee. Kind of one dimensional
Dustin Elliott
Philadelphia
Member Since
July '15
3.5 out of 5
A lovely gentle coffee
The kind of coffee you don't have to explain to a visiting relative who doesn't share your coffee interests. The smell is delightfully peanutbutter-y. The taste is simple, clean, and easy going down.
On 01/12/22 Kyle said
Yes! I am consistently tasting Nutty Buddy bars when cupping this coffee--love it.
Tina McElmoyl
Easthampton
Member Since
December '21
4.0 out of 5
Great in cappuccino; decent espresso crema
I got this for cappuccinos/lattes. As an espresso, it was OK--had a pretty good crema on top. However, I am not an espresso drinker so perhaps it was wonderful, just not my style. Add some milk & foam and...ahhhh!! No standout flavors for me, but I'm not all that attuned to things like that. I just know what I like.
J. Fox
High Point
Member Since
June '14
On 12/29/21 Kyle said
What type of grinder are you using? Feel free to email us directly to dial in your brewing methods;)
On 12/29/21 Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett said
I have adjusted everything and am now getting quite a nice cup of coffee. Low acidity, a gentle and nice brew. I ground it finer, brewed at 205F, inverted, steeped 1.45 min, 26 g coffee, 250 g water. I could handle a coffee with a little more character, but will keep experimenting.
On 12/30/21 Kyle said
Hey that's great! Sounds like your brewing methods are on point and you might be ready to try some coffees outside of the Classic profile;)
On 12/30/21 Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett said
I was thinking that too and changed by preferences to include other coffees.