Guatemalan Coffee Beans

A Complete Guide to Flavour, Regions & Brewing

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Quick Facts About Guatemalan Coffee

Guatemala produces some of the most well-rounded and flavourful coffees in the world. Known for their rich chocolate depth, gentle fruit sweetness, and balanced acidity, Guatemalan coffees sit somewhere between Brazil’s chocolate comfort and Colombia’s vibrant fruitiness — making them a favourite among specialty coffee drinkers who want complexity without overwhelming brightness.

This complete guide explores everything that makes Guatemalan coffee special: flavour profiles, regional differences, growing conditions, processing methods, brewing tips, and how to choose the best Guatemalan coffee beans in the UK.

Growing Regions:

Antigua, Huehuetenango, Atitlán, Acatenango, Cobán, Fraijanes, San Marcos

Altitude Range:

1,300–2,000m

Harvest Season:

December–March

Common Processing:

Washed, Honey

Typical Flavours:

Chocolate, brown sugar, red apple, stone fruit, caramel

Body:

Medium to full

Acidity:

Medium, balanced

Best For:

Filter, Espresso, French press

Why not try

Discover Guatemala Box

Not sure which Guatemalan coffee’s to pick? Buying as a gift? Why not try our Discover Guatemala box and let us hand pick some of the finest beans for you to enjoy.

View Guatemala Box

Discover Guatemala Box

£22.00

Recommended Guatemalan Coffee Beans

At Blendbox, all coffees come from trusted UK independent roasters. Every bag is the same price, delivery is always free, and the more bags you add to your box, the cheaper each one becomes. Here are some of our favourite Guatemalan coffee beans.

 View all Guatemalan Coffee Beans

06 Guatemala

£12.00

All Things Bloom

250 g

Francisco Morales

£12.00

Round Hill Roastery

250 g

Sold out

Catarina Ramirez

£12.00

Curve

250 g

03 Brazil + Colombia + Guatemala

£12.00

All Things Bloom

250 g

Half Caf the World Away

£12.00

Neighbourhood

250 g

La Bolsa

£12.00

Lindfield

250 g

The Ultimate Guide to Guatemalan Coffee Beans

What Does Guatemalan Coffee Taste Like?

Guatemalan coffee is known for its rich sweetness and balanced fruit notes. Expect:

  • Chocolate and cocoa
  • Brown sugar and caramel
  • Red apple or cherry
  • Peach or stone fruit
  • Subtle spice or floral hints
  • Smooth, rounded body

The result is a cup that is flavourful without being too bright, making Guatemala a perfect middle-ground origin.
The Growing Conditions Behind the Flavour

Guatemala’s geography is a huge contributor to its flavour profile.

Volcanic Soil

Most Guatemalan coffee grows on or near volcanoes. Volcanic soil is rich in minerals that enhance sweetness, structure, and aromatic complexity.

Altitude

Coffee is typically grown between 1,300 and 2,000 metres. This creates:

  • bright but balanced acidity
  • slow cherry maturation
  • strong sweetness
  • clean, layered flavours
Microclimates

Guatemala has dramatic microclimates — humid forests, cool highlands, windy plateaus — each shaping flavour differently. Regions only a few miles apart can taste like entirely different origins.

Shade-Grown Coffee

Much Guatemalan coffee grows under native shade trees, which slows development and improves sweetness.
Processing Methods in Guatemala

Guatemala is primarily a washed-coffee country, but honey processing is gaining popularity.

Washed Processing

Emphasises cleanliness, sweetness, and balance.

Flavour impact:

  • clean acidity
  • chocolate and fruit clarity
  • smoother cup
Honey Processing

Leaves some mucilage on the bean during drying.

Flavour impact:

  • enhanced sweetness
  • richer mouthfeel
  • red fruit notes
Guatemala’s Key Coffee Regions (and How They Differ)
Antigua

A historic and iconic region.

Flavours: chocolate, caramel, sweet spices, orange
Why it’s special: constant climate, volcanic soil

Huehuetenango

One of the highest and most remote growing areas.

Flavours: red apple, cherry, floral hints, bright acidity
Best for: fruit-forward filter

Atitlán

Grown near Lake Atitlán.

Flavours: citrus, peach, cocoa
Style: sweet and complex

Acatenango

Volcanic slopes create powerful, structured coffees.

Flavours: chocolate, nut sweetness, subtle fruit
Best for: espresso and milk drinks

Cobán

Cool, rainy, and foggy.

Flavours: herbal notes, cocoa, gentle acidity
Style: mellow and soft
Guatemalan Coffee vs Other Origins
Guatemala vs Colombia

Colombia: citrus, caramel, balanced acidity
Guatemala: chocolate + fruit, medium acidity

Guatemala vs Brazil

Brazil: low acidity, nutty, chocolatey
Guatemala: more fruit, more structure

Guatemala vs Ethiopia

Ethiopia: floral, citrus, delicate
Guatemala: chocolate, red fruit, richer body

Guatemala sits in the perfect middle — flavourful, sweet, and balanced.
Best Brewing Methods for Guatemalan Coffee
Filter / Pour-Over

Brings out sweetness and fruit clarity.

French Press

Accentuates chocolate depth and body.

Espresso

Produces syrupy shots with chocolate, caramel, and gentle fruit.

Cold Brew

Smooth, sweet, and chocolatey.
How to Brew Guatemalan Coffee at Home

To get the most from Guatemalan beans:

  • Use 92–95°C water to enhance sweetness
  • Brew V60 around 2:45–3:00 for clarity
  • For French press, aim for 4 minutes with a coarse grind
  • Guatemalan espresso works well in milk-based drinks
Sustainability in Guatemalan Coffee

Guatemala has a strong culture of smallholder farming. Many regions rely on shade-grown coffee, traditional wet mills, and cooperative structures.

Common sustainability practices include:

  • shade-grown agriculture
  • careful water management in wet mills
  • community-run cooperatives
  • support for indigenous farming communities

At Blendbox, we favour Guatemalan coffees from producers committed to environmental sustainability, fair pricing, and traceable lots.