GUATEMALA RÍO OCHO

Roaster's Notes

Ignacio Pablo Ramírez owns and manages Finca Río Ocho, located in the highlands of the Todos Santos Cuchumatán municipality of the department of Huehuetenango. At 1,600 meters above sea level, the area offers ideal conditions for growing specialty coffee. Todos Santos is known for its strong cultural heritage. It’s a predominantly Mayan community with deep-rooted traditions, vibrant textiles, and a strong connection to the land. For many families here, farming is not just work— it’s part of daily life and community identity. The story of this farm began in the mid-2000s, when Ignacio combined two small plots—one inherited from his father, José Pablo Calmo, and an adjacent parcel he purchased with his savings. From the beginning, he has focused on cultivating Caturra and Bourbon coffee varieties. Today, his land is dedicated to coffee, with no other crops grown on the property. This singular focus allows Ignacio to produce clean, consistent lots year after year. He uses a traditional washed process, with a 24-hour fermentation and 7-9 days of patio drying to produce clean, consistent lots. Looking ahead, Ignacio plans to introduce new varieties and continue refining his practices to keep pushing quality forward, while honoring the land and culture that shaped him.