Taith – Finca Gascon Black Honey 200g | Guatemala

FARM

Gildardo Contreras developed an interest in coffee production from an early age, helping his parents harvest and process coffee from approximately 50 Bourbon coffee trees growing in their family garden. This early experience inspired his passion for coffee cultivation and led him to establish his own farm in 2012 after purchasing a property from a relative that produced both avocados and coffee. Over time, Gildardo expanded the farm by acquiring neighbouring parcels, increasing its size to approximately 54 acres.

Today, the farm is managed by his son, Felipe Contreras, who focuses on improving coffee quality and refining processing methods. Felipe also works closely with neighbouring producers to share knowledge and encourage higher production standards across the local community. The farm places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, using natural pest management methods, including a homemade mixture of garlic, chilli, onion, and water to control fumagina (sooty mould). To maintain productivity, around 20% of the coffee parcels are renovated each year, with Bourbon trees gradually being replaced by the SL28 variety, supported by an irrigation system.

PROCESS

Before harvesting, coffee cherries are carefully assessed through Brix level measurements to identify the ideal parcels and cherries for picking, with target readings ranging between 18–23 degrees. At the end of each day, the harvested coffee is sorted, weighed, and transported to the wet mill, where it undergoes a 48-hour whole cherry fermentation before being depulped and prepared for drying. The coffee is then dried on raised beds under controlled conditions, with parchment removed once the beans reach the ideal moisture content for stable storage. Although the farm has access to Guardiola dryers, they have not been required to date.