Guatemala - Blue Ayarza - Natural

Cupping Notes: Blue and black fruits, black grape, boisenberry, sweet, raspberry compote finish

Laguna de Ayarza (Lake Ayarza) is a crater lake in the Santa Rosa department of Guatemala. It is known locally as Laguna Azul (Blue Lake). Lake Ayarza was formed around 20,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The lake has a surface area of 14km² and is located at 1,400masl. According to local legend, the true nature of the lake is far more mysterious. Some say it is connected to ocean, the actual depth is unknown and that an expedition to find the bottom ended in tragic failure. We do know Lake Ayarza is in a remote location and access is difficult. This means it has remained in pristine condition with only around 10 houses built around its edge. The lake is only 30 minutes from the Olam’s Cherry mill and is a must-see after visiting our facility. Olam buys coffee from more than 1000 small producers in the area. Some bring full truckloads of cherries; others arrive with a single sack on the back of a donkey.

The finest cherries delivered by local smallholders in their own trucks first to the Ayarza Cherry Mill for quality verification. Second the cherries are sent to Amatitlan where the drying conditions are superior. There they spend 10-15 days on the patio drying in the sun. To finish the cherries are mechanically dried to remove the last couple points of moistures from the beans.