PRODUCER: Alvaro Reyes
REGION: Matagalpa, Nicaragua
PROCESS: Washed
VARIETY: Catuai
ELEVATION: 1300 M
TASTING NOTES: Apple butter, raw honey, pecan

Producer Story

Meet brothers Bayardo and Alvaro Reyes, whose journey embodies the resilience and passion that defines Nicaragua's coffee culture. Growing up on their grandparents' coffee farm, Finca San Jose in Matagalpa, their connection to coffee runs deep through generations of family tradition.

In 1979, war forever changed their story when their family's farm was confiscated by the government, forcing them to start over from nothing. But the Reyes brothers refused to let adversity define them. Following the war, they pooled their resources to purchase a modest 2-hectare plot they lovingly named Las Flores ("Flowers") symbolizing new growth from the ashes of loss.

For years, they cultivated cut flowers for the local market while tending to a small plot of Maragogype coffee trees they had carefully transplanted from their grandparents' original farm. This coffee was purely for family consumption until someone cupped their humble harvest and recognized its exceptional potential. That moment changed everything.

Today, Bayardo and Alvaro have expanded their legacy with a second, larger farm they named Finca San Jose in honor of their grandparents' original property. Located 10 miles from Las Flores, this new farm primarily grows Catuai varieties alongside experimental seedlings of exotic varieties, including some cultivated from the original Maragogype trees still thriving at Las Flores.

We've been privileged to work with the Reyes brothers for multiple harvests, and this marks the second year we're able to bring you coffee from this remarkable small farm—a testament to their dedication and our commitment to long-term partnerships.

The Process

This Las Flores Catuai showcases the classic washed process that highlights the variety's inherent characteristics and the unique terroir of Matagalpa. Grown at 1300 MASL, the coffee benefits from ideal growing conditions where cool mountain air and rich volcanic soil create the perfect environment for slow cherry development.

The brothers meticulously hand-select only the ripest cherries before processing them through their careful washed method. This traditional approach removes the fruit while preserving the bean's intrinsic flavors, allowing the coffee's natural complexity to shine through without interference from fermentation processes.

The Cup

This washed Catuai delivers a beautifully balanced cup that captures the essence of Nicaraguan coffee at its finest. The first sip reveals the comforting sweetness of apple butter, rich and warming like autumn memories. Raw honey notes provide natural sweetness that feels both luxurious and grounding, while roasted pecan adds a sophisticated nuttiness that creates depth and complexity.

The cup showcases remarkable clarity and balance, with each flavor note distinct yet harmoniously integrated. The washed process allows the coffee's inherent characteristics to speak clearly, creating a drinking experience that's both approachable and nuanced, perfect for both morning routines and contemplative afternoon moments.

This is coffee with a story worth savoring, where every sip connects you to the determination, heritage, and hope of the Reyes family. A limited offering that represents not just exceptional quality, but the resilience of Nicaragua's coffee community.