Five Ways Coffee Roasters
Guatemala - San Carlos - Washed
For this season's Guatemala, our top choice is a sweet and clean coffee that ticks all the boxes for an absolute favourite Guatemalan coffee.
Owned by the same producers of Villa Estela and San Ignacio, San Carlos is a renowned farm covering 16 hectares. These three historic farms are nestled within the downtown area of La Antigua, Guatemala, surrounded by ruins, tiendas, and restaurants.
The San Carlos farm is 16 hectares and is owned by the same producers of Villa Estela and San Ignacio, these three farms are historic farms located amongst the ruins, tiendas and restaurants of downtown La Antigua, Guatemala.
Meet Josué, the caretaker at Los Volcanes, who oversees the operations of this farm. Josué's expertise deserves recognition for fully unlocking the farm's potential in specialty coffee production!
Founded by Carlos Durán in 1850, these farms have been handed down through multiple generations of his family up to the present day. As one of the oldest farms in the region, the locals affectionately refer to this terroir as "magical.”
The primary cultivar on this farm consists of 100 to 135-year-old Bourbon varietals. These plants have been grown, managed, and pruned in a pretty unique manner. When they reach a certain height they are carefully bent downward to ensure they grow towards the ground. This then allows the harvesters to access all the cherries without hindering the growth of this valuable variety. The key to maintaining long-term productivity of this variety is by alternating between the plants harvested each year.
At San Carlos, plant longevity and productivity are ensured by implementing a resting period for the plants between production cycles. By stripping every leaf and cherry at the end of the harvest season, the ancient Bourbon plants are rejuvenated, ensuring their health and continued productivity. In addition to Bourbon, San Carlos cultivates 40-year-old Caturra and Catuaí varietals.
San Carlos utilises Gravilea and Inga as its primary shade trees, and with meticulous pruning occurring every decade encourages their height to surpass that of traditional Antigua farm trees. These taller shade trees serve a dual purpose: safeguarding the plants against frost during the cool Antigua nights while enabling a gentle breeze to permeate the plantation, and helping to maintain optimal humidity levels.
This farm stands out with its unusually long harvest season, starting in November or December and lasting until April, surpassing neighbouring coffee farms. While most farms in the region only have a harvest period from January to March, the secret behind this farm's extended season remains a mystery yet to be uncovered by locals.
Country: Guatemala
Region: Sacatapéquez Department, Antigua Region
Process: Washed
Tasting Notes: Forrest berries, raw honey, syrupy body.
Altitude: 1550-1900 mamsl
Variety: Bourbon, Caturra & Catuai
Roast Type: Espresso
We roast weekly to order. Shipping takes place every Thursday and Friday. Order before Tuesday to ensure delivery within the week..
Pickup available at Kinkerstraat 186
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Product information
Our standards in coffee making are reflected in our care for the environment. By using innovative packaging and sustainable logistics techniques, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint.
Five Ways is always on the lookout for new and inspiring ways to be sustainable and care for our planet.
Shipping at Five Ways:
The basics, Add to the cart the items (or coffee) you would like to purchase. We will then select, pack and ship your choices to your location. We roast weekly to order. Shipping takes place every Thursday and Friday. Order before Wednesday to ensure delivery departs within the same week.
Shipping and delivery
We ship using our friends at Keen delivery. This delivery platform allows us to ship with multiple carriers. Within Europe we use DPD, Post NL and DHL. Local shipping in The Netherlands we use DPD and you should receive your goods within 24-48 hours. Given Brexit… we ship to the UK with PostNL do expect delays here due to customs paperwork.
Note: due to COVID-19 restrictions, delivery is expected to take between 1-2 days longer, depending on your location. We are not responsible for any unforeseen service disruptions by our delivery partners.
Shipping rates
Shipping rates are calculated automatically at checkout using inputs from our providers. Is shipping not available to your country? Email us your order and, we will arrange it for you.
Pick-up
To be arranged at the time of order. We will also offer this service at our flagship locations which, will be opening very soon. Only available within Amsterdam.
Returns
We can’t accept returns on coffee due to it being perishable. However, we really want you to be happy with your beans! If you have any issues with our coffee, please call or email within the week of receiving your order.
ACAIA PRODUCTS
At Five Ways we are official distributors of ACAIA products. We have the Reseller RMA policy to, set up warranty and service between reseller (us) and the consumer. Please email us if you have any further questions.
Who is responsible to covers fees within the warranty period? See below.
Product Purchased from Acaia Local Reseller
Parallel Import
Inspection
Reseller is responsible for inspection and repair
Customer is responsible for inspection fee
Parts Fee
Covered by Acaia
Covered by Acaia
Shipping Fee
Reseller is responsible for two-way shipping cost
Customer is responsible for two-way shipping cost
- Choose the right container: It's important to store your coffee beans in an airtight container. Look for a container made of a material that won't absorb odors, like glass or ceramic. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can impart a plastic-like taste to the coffee.
- Keep the container away from light: Coffee beans are sensitive to light, which can cause them to degrade more quickly. Store your coffee container in a dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
- Keep the container away from heat: Heat can also cause coffee beans to degrade. Avoid storing your coffee container near a heat source, such as a stove or oven.
- Store at room temperature: Coffee beans should be stored at room temperature, between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid storing coffee beans in the refrigerator or freezer, as moisture can cause them to spoil and lose their flavor.
- Use whole beans: It's best to store whole coffee beans rather than ground coffee. Ground coffee has a larger surface area, which makes it more vulnerable to oxidation and degradation.
- Avoid air exposure: Exposure to air can cause coffee beans to oxidize, which can lead to a stale or sour taste
Our Roastery
You'll find us in Amsterdam West, where we roast on a Giesen W15 and a Loring S35 Kestrel. These beauties give us total control over our roasts, the freedom to tweak to optimise flavour and the ability to roast at volume, allowing us to cater to a variety of customers.
From day one all we wanted to do was source, roast, brew and serve the best coffee we could find.
Our aim is to highlight the terroir of the origin and different processes utilised. We also often select unique and exotic coffees which force us to grow and challenge our way of thinking.