Gold Reserve: Guatemala Puerta Verde “Java” by Ricardo Zelaya
Tastes: Gentle, tea, blackberry
Variety: Java
Region: Antigua
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1520-2000 m
Importer: Common Goal Coffee
Our Gold Reserve highlights the rare, exceptional single origin coffees we have the privilege of roasting.
We are thankful to Billy McMillan of Common Goal Coffee for facilitating the procurement of this special coffee for us. In February of this year, we were privileged to visit Don Ricardo and his family with Billy at Finca Puerta Verde and other farms. You can read more about our trip here: JJ Bean Guatemala 2025 Coffee Origin Report.
Genetic fingerprinting of molecular markers has revealed that the Java variety is a selection from an Ethiopian landrace population called Abysinia. It was taken directly to the Island of Java by Dutch traders in the 19th century, and was introduced to Central America only in 1991.
Under the stewardship of Ricardo Zelaya's team since 1999, Puerta Verde has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when the Minondo family, the initial proprietors, ventured into the world of coffee production. Originally part of a larger farm, Puerta Verde has been nurtured and managed by four generations of coffee enthusiasts within the Minondo family. United by a dedication to cup quality and environmental preservation, the siblings worked in harmony, shaping the farm's legacy.
Perched at an elevation of 1,520 meters above sea level, Puerta Verde graces the enchanting Valley of Panchoy in Antigua Guatemala. The farm's name pays homage to a distinctive green gate that has long safeguarded its richest soil, bearing witness to the heritage of producing some of the finest coffees in the region. This legacy is encapsulated in the family's guiding motto: "The Green Gate to the Best Coffee in Antigua."
In collaboration with the owners, Ricardo embarked on an ambitious rejuvenation project for the entire farm, necessitated by aging coffee trees. This renewal effort ushered in new varieties, embraced modern agronomic practices, and instigated a transformative shift in how coffee was produced, harvested, and processed.
Ricardo Zelaya, a fourth-generation coffee producer in the Zelaya family lineage, has been a driving force since 1986, steadfastly committed to innovation and adaptation throughout every facet of the coffee production chain. With a dedicated team by his side, Ricardo is resolute in his pursuit of producing the world's highest quality coffee. Beyond excellence in coffee, he and his team are equally devoted to enhancing the farm's social and environmental responsibilities, embodying a holistic approach to sustainable coffee farming.