Capetillo Antigua Natural

Today, the 6^th generation of Echeverria family growers cultivate coffee at Finca Capetillo. The farm was first purchased by José Mariano Rodriguez in 1874. His son, renowned entomologist (study of insects) Juan José Rodriguez, used his knowledge of insects and ecology to introduce modern agricultural practices. The next generation, Federico and Ernesto Rodriguez Benito, pioneered additional innovations, making Finca Capetillo one of the premier coffee-producing farms in Guatemala.

In addition to their focus on high-quality, environmentally-sound coffee production, the Echeverria family places an emphasis on supporting their employees and the surrounding community. They provide housing, healthcare and educational opportunities for their employees. They also run a school that offers free primary education for 150 children from the neighboring communities, as well as the children of the farm’s employees.

The farm has deep, porous soils of volcanic ash and sand. These nutrient-rich soils are the result of eruptions from three volcanoes in the surrounding area – Agua, Fuego and Acatenango.

Finca Capetillo is covered with dense shade trees including gravilea, Macadamia, Inga and indigenous species. Shade trees are pruned several times a year to ensure optimal shade. Macadamia trees are also used to provide shade. They are also handpicked and sold locally.

In addition to the Bourbon in this lot, they also cultivate Pache, Caturra, Pacamara and Catuai on the farm.

In order to address their environmental footprint, Finca Capetillo recycles and cleans water used in processing.

Ripe, red cherry is selectively handpicked. Finca Capetillo is large and they hire mainly locals from the surrounding region, providing jobs, housing and more. Cherry is laid on patios or in parabolic dryers to dry. Workers rake cherry frequently to ensure even drying.

Antigua has historically been Guatemala’s best-known coffee-growing region. The climate and land are perfect for coffee cultivation. The soil is volcanic with frequent eruptions from the nearby Volan Fuego adding a dust of mineral ash from time to time. Humidity is relatively low but constant. Finally, the region gets lots of sun year-round but has those cool nights that assist slow cherry development and are so important to specialty coffee. 

Antiguan growers can sometimes fetch high prices due to the fame of the region's coffee. Nonetheless, more and more farms have found it difficult to continue farming, particularly when land in the region is at a premium. Antigua lies not far from the capital city of Guatemala, making it particularly attractive for second homes or even for commuters. Many farms have diminished greatly in size over the last two decades or disappeared altogether, eaten away by golf courses and housing developments.  Nonetheless, Antigua persists and still produces exquisite coffees along with great blend components.