Darwin is a rare breed—a farmer, roaster, and QC cupper whose expertise spans the entire coffee production process. His knowledge lies in the spaces between these roles, creating a unique blend of skills that is both rare and invaluable. Our journey with Darwin began last year in Guatemala City, where I had the opportunity to witness his passion for coffee firsthand. He had arranged tastings of various coffees, and it was during these sessions that we discovered the true depth of his craft. Darwin then took me to El Calagual, the farm he holds dearest, nestled in the small village of Concepción Zacuapa in the Santa Rosa municipality.

El Calagual is a modest 4.5-hectare farm, but its impact on Darwin's life and work is anything but small. His family has a long and storied history in coffee farming, with roots tracing back to the 1890s. Each generation has built upon the progress of the last, solidifying the family's reputation in the coffee industry. However, for decades, the coffee produced at El Calagual was sold by Darwin's father, Bonifacio Fabian, to local commercial markets at low prices, missing out on the farm's true potential.

It was Darwin’s education in agronomy that opened his eyes to the possibilities that El Calagual could offer. Recognizing the farm’s high elevation and unique microbiome as prime conditions for cultivating specialty coffee, Darwin was determined to transform the farm into a platform for high-end production. He persuaded his father to allow him to experiment with new coffee varieties and natural processing methods, setting the stage for the farm's next chapter.

One of Darwin’s standout achievements has been the cultivation of the Pache variety, a rare natural derivation of Typica. Discovered in Guatemala in 1949, Pache is similar to Bourbon or Caturra but is more susceptible to diseases such as Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Disease, making it a less common choice. However, its ability to thrive at high altitudes and its exceptional cup quality make it a prized variety for those willing to take the risk. Darwin’s Pache coffee is naturally processed on raised beds, with a drying time of 24 days, resulting in a cup that is rich, complex, and full of flavor.

Darwin is more than just a coffee producer; he is an explorer, constantly seeking new horizons and driven by a vision for the future of coffee. His commitment to innovation and quality makes him an ideal partner for us, and we are excited to continue working with him for years to come. Our relationship with Darwin is a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise when passion meets expertise. As we move forward together, we look forward to the new discoveries and achievements that will undoubtedly come from this partnership.