A Gift from God, A Decade in the Making: Nicaragua Un Regalo De Dios Natural Java
Nicaragua Un Regalo De Dios Natural Java
Our Final Nicaragua Release of the Season
This is our final release from Nicaragua for the season, and we saved something special for last. We were fortunate to secure four unique single-variety microlots this year from producer Luis Alberto Balladarez in Nueva Segovia, and this naturally processed Java from Un Regalo De Dios is a fitting send-off.
Over a Decade with Luis Alberto
We have been working with Luis Alberto for well over a decade. Our first purchase was in 2013, when we bought 10 bags of a washed Bourbon from Un Regalo De Dios, a modest beginning to what has become one of our most valued long-term producer relationships. His commitment to quality and to the people he works with make him the obvious choice for sourcing our Nicaraguan microlots, year after year.
The Farm: Un Regalo De Dios
This microlot comes from Un Regalo De Dios, Luis Alberto's pride and joy, situated in La Cordillera de Dipilto y Jalapa, a mountain range spanning parts of Honduras and northern Nicaragua. The farm sits in a lush pocket of forest protected on three sides by the mountains, creating an environment that is as sheltered as it is productive. At 1,800 meters above sea level, the elevation and biodiversity here set the stage for exceptional coffee.
The Java Variety: A Traveler with Deep Roots
Java is a variety with a fascinating and far-reaching history. First introduced to the island of Java by the Dutch in the early 19th century, it has since spread throughout the coffee-producing world, finding a particularly good home in Central America. It thrives at high elevations and has become a favorite among smallholder farmers for its potential to produce very high cup scores. Recent genetic testing has linked Java to Ethiopian Landrace varieties, meaning what we know as a distinctly Indonesian-named coffee is, at its roots, African in origin.
What's in the Cup
This lot stood out immediately for its rich, creamy mouthfeel, reminiscent of brown butter, with nutty, caramel aromatics and a buttery finish that lingers. Paired with a bright cranberry acidity, it strikes a balance that is both elegant and memorable. It is one of those coffees that feels indulgent without being heavy, and we think it's a genuinely special way to close out the season.
Nicaragua Un Regalo De Dios Natural Java
Our final Nicaragua release of the season: a naturally processed Java from Luis Alberto Balladarez with a creamy brown butter body and a bright cranberry finish.