Our Final Select Series Release for 2025: Firmin Escalante Gesha!

The latest release of our Select Series is a beautiful expression of the Gesha variety from Finca Rio Dorado, located in Mataquescuintla in the Oriente coffee-growing region of Guatemala. Coffee has been grown in Oriente since the 1950s. Once the poorest region in the country, Oriente has grown into a large coffee producing region for Guatemala. The mountain range, once volcanic, is overcast and rainy with temperate weather and balanced soil.

Located at a height of 1800 meters above sea level, Finca Rio Dorado is a 20 hectare farm. Since its founding in 2004, coffee producer Firmin Aguilar Escalante has strived to produce excellent coffees with high traceability and quality control, resulting in several Cup of Excellence and regional competition winning lots. The name ‘Rio Dorado’ translates to Golden River, which reflects the nutrient rich soil and hydrological features typical of high-end Guatemalan estates.

 
Finca Rio Dorado cultivates various coffee varieties such as Gesha, Pacamara, Catuai, Pache, and Bourbon. The high altitude, stable Oriente-region soil and shaded microclimate under oak, cypress and pine trees support slower cherry maturation and allow for selective harvesting of the coffees grown at the farm.

A wide array of processing methods are used at the farm, ranging from conventional washed, honey, and natural, to more experimental approaches such as anaerobic fermentation and carbonic maceration. Coffees are dried on raised beds, and lot separation by varietal and processing method allows for better quality control. These practices enable Finca Rio Dorado to run a micro-estate model with emphasis on traceability, enabling them to produce highly controlled specialty lots.

This Gesha lot in particular is a washed process coffee, which has been fermented using the anaerobic fermentation method. We found that the anaerobic fermentation gave this lot an extremely fruit forward profile, reminiscent of fresh strawberries and apricots with a heavy, creamy mouthfeel and the sweetness of sugary praline. 

We’re thrilled and proud to be offering this delicious coffee in our limited edition Select Series. Packed in 100g tins, this special release can be purchased now on the Maker website.