FETTE PALETTE no.13.1

FETTE PALETTE no.13.1 – Gesha from Guatemala, floral, clean & precise.

This year, we're serving you a true Gesha double feature for the holidays in our FETTE PALETTE: two coffees from the same Guatemalan region, two producers, two distinctive styles—both Gesha, both world-class. No. 13.1 comes from Fernando Melgar, and no. 13.2 from Jaime Sánchez, whose farm is only about 40 minutes away. An ideal set for comparing terroir-driven nuances in their purest form.

Fernando Melgar's coffee showcases Gesha processed in a way that's somewhat unusual for this variety. This coffee is an incredibly clean natural: vibrant hibiscus, ripe nectarine, and a clear, tea-like structure reminiscent of fine Darjeeling. A natural that doesn't shine because it's loud—but because it's unbelievably precise.

Fernando Melgar works alongside his son Allan in the department of Santa Rosa and runs one of the most interesting projects that our partner Semilla collaborates with in Guatemala. The family has grown coffee for three generations and has established some of the country's most exotic varieties in recent years—including Gesha and SL-28. At around 28 hectares, the farm is one of the larger ones in the region, giving them room to explore a range of processing methods.

Despite their expertise, they long lacked access to international markets. Local cooperatives offered them differentiated prices, but no transparency: Where does their coffee go? Who drinks it? What happens to their lots? Semilla has been working for four years to bridge that gap—and gradually connect the Melgars with buyers who truly recognize the quality of their coffee.

The process for this natural: selective harvesting of only ripe cherries, floating to sort them, 30 hours of dry fermentation, followed by 12–15 days of drying in full sun. The parchment is then carefully stored until it's ready for milling. Everything clear, clean, and controlled.

The result: an ultra-clean Gesha natural with floral high notes and an almost meditative elegance. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience Gesha in its brightest, airiest form.