Florencio Villatoro • Washed Bourbon El Diamante Lot

In the washed process, a machine removes the cherries’ skin and pulp, and the remaining beans are left to ferment in water. It’s by far the most common way coffee is processed—but makes this method so popular?

When you think of Guatemala, you might picture ancient Mayan ruins or colorful highland markets. But walking through Don Aurielio's farm at Punta Del Cerro last year, watching him examine every branch like he was reading a story only he could understand, we realized Guatemala's coffee excellence isn't about following trends—it's about generations of knowledge passed down through whispered conversations at dawn. What we wanted to know is how a country that's been growing coffee since the 1850s stays relevant when everyone's chasing the next new origin. What we learned is that Guatemala doesn't need to chase anything. Whether it's volcanic soil that's been enriched for centuries, or families who've been selecting the best plants for five generations, or producers who still hand-turn their drying coffee every 45 minutes through the night, Guatemala built its reputation on consistency that newer origins are still trying to achieve.