Finca El Senegal Don Porfirio

HEIGHT 1800-2000 MASL

ABOUT ME

High in the rugged Montañas del Senegal above La Libertad, Huehuetenango, between 1,800 and 2,000 meters above sea level, lies Finca El Senegal - the farm of Don Porfirio Martinez. Don Porfirio cultivates San Ramón and Caturra varieties in a microclimate where cool air and rich volcanic soil create ideal conditions for complex, dense coffees.

For Don Porfirio, coffee is a way of life, nurtured by years of tradition and a deep connection to the land. Each harvest, he carefully handpicks ripe cherries, which are first fermented for 36 hours in bags. They are then depulped and transferred to a dry fermentation tank to rest for an additional 48 hours. Once fermentation is complete, the coffee is washed and carefully selected through correteo, retaining only top quality beans. The beans are then slowly dried in thin layers on patios for around 15 days - raking every 4 hours to ensure even drying. This meticulous process, combined with the high-altitude growing conditions, allows the coffee to slowly develop its distinctive character.

Alex visited this region in 2018 - an experience that left a deep appreciation for the incredible people and coffees that come from here. The journey was marked by a landscape of majestic volcanoes, serene lakes, winding highways of túmulos (speed bumps), potholes and roadside tortillas.

The Vides family of Vides58, renowned for their commitment to supporting small producers and fostering sustainable partnerships, play a vital role in helping Porfirio’s coffee reach new audiences. Their expertise in export and dedication to quality ensure that coffees like this receive the recognition they deserve, while Porfirio’s deep knowledge and passion for his farm shape the coffee’s unique expression.

This lot was selected to represent our Guatemalan choice for the season because of its exceptional quality and lovely profile. The cup is marked by delicate floral notes reminiscent of chamomile, evoking comparisons to the Sidra varietal, alongside a white grape and mandarin sweetness with a smooth, silky finish.

The coffees from this ridge speak of their origin. More than just flavour though, they carry a philosophy - an understanding that excellence is the result of time, stewardship and trust built harvest after harvest. Don Porfirio is a guardian of these heights, and each lot is his way of thanking the mountain.

BREW GUIDES

We recommend the following recipes as a starting points:

Espresso Dose: 21 grams Brew temperature: 93.5ºC Bar Pressure: 8.0 Brew time: 25 - 30 sec Brew weight: 42 - 44 grams Brew Ratio: 1:2-2.1

Pour Over Brew temperature: 94ºC 20g in 300ml out (~1:15 brew ratio)