☕ This Month’s Featured Coffee (February 2026)
Patrick Neal
This Month’s Coffee: Guatemala Pura Fruta Natural
Each month, we feature one coffee that ships to all of our monthly subscribers. It’s our way of sharing not just what you’re drinking, but why it matters — the place it comes from, the people behind it, and the care that goes into every step.
This month’s coffee comes from Alta Verapaz, near Cobán, a lush, highland region known for fertile soils, consistent rainfall, and expressive coffees.
A Farm with Deep Roots
Finca El Platanillo has been family-run since 1977, when it was purchased by Samuel Coto Escobar. In 1985, management passed to his son, Stuardo Coto, who continues to oversee the farm today with a long-term vision focused on balance — between productivity, quality, and the surrounding ecosystem.
Rather than treating sustainability as a checklist, El Platanillo has built it into the foundation of how the farm operates. Long before third-party certifications became common, the farm was already managing land, water, and wildlife with care. That mindset later led El Platanillo to become a longtime Rainforest Alliance–certified farm and a pioneer in climate-focused farming initiatives.
Community & Education at the Center
Coffee is only one part of life at El Platanillo. The farm supports its community with access to fresh water, shared garden space, and a deep investment in education. Children from the farm and nearby areas attend the Nuevo Platanillo School — a project that grew from a simple on-farm classroom into a full school with technology access and coffee-focused educational programs.
This commitment to education and opportunity has earned international recognition and reflects the belief that great coffee starts with strong, supported communities.
How the Coffee Is Grown & Processed
- Region: Alta Verapaz (Cobán)
- Altitude: 1,300–1,400 MASL
- Process: Natural
- Grade: SHB
- Sourcing: Direct Trade
The coffee is naturally processed, meaning the cherries are dried with the fruit still intact. This method allows sugars from the fruit to deeply influence flavor, creating a richer, more fruit-forward cup.
What You’ll Taste
Expect a bold but balanced profile with notes of cherry, plum, vanilla, and brownie, supported by a smooth sweetness and satisfying body. This coffee shines as espresso, but also performs beautifully in auto-drip, pour-over, and full immersion brewing.
Why We Chose This Coffee
Finca El Platanillo represents what we love about specialty coffee: long-term thinking, stewardship of land, investment in people, and a relentless pursuit of quality. Every cup reflects decades of intention — not just for better coffee, but for a better system behind it.
We’re excited to share this one with you.
📸:efico