Guatemala – El Morito
Producer: Jose Roberto Monterosso
Region: Morales, Mataquescuintla, Jalapa,
Altitude: 1600-1700 masl
Coffee varieties: Bourbon, Caturra,
Process: Washed
Drying: Sun dried on patio
Cupping notes: Pear, Shortbread, Orange Peel
Cupping score: 85
The El Morito coffee estate is located in the village of Morales, in the Mataquescuintla region of Jalapa, about a two-hour drive east of Guatemala City, right near the border with El Salvador. The estate, purchased by Jose Roberto Monterosso in 1994, spans an impressive 672 hectares of mountainous terrain, a quarter of which is dedicated to coffee cultivation. The remainder is covered in pristine forest vegetation, creating ideal microclimatic conditions for producing top-quality coffee.
The estate sits at an ideal altitude, with certain micro plots reaching as high as 2,650 meters above sea level. This allows for the production of exceptionally complex, sweet, and well-balanced coffee profiles. The high elevation, combined with rich volcanic soil and fresh easterly winds, provides the perfect environment for growing delicate varieties such as Pacamara and Gesha.
El Morito is one of the most awarded coffee estates in Guatemala, consistently excelling in the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition:
🥇 1st Place – 2022
🥈 2nd Place – 2015, 2024
🥉 3rd Place – 2014
Their commitment to quality, experimentation with different varieties, and innovative processing methods have placed them among the most recognized producers in the region and the world.
Bryan Sweeney (verified owner) –
Giving it time and enjoying it!