New Reserve and Education Lots from Central and South America

New Gesha and Pacamara Education Lots from Montecarlos

As we’ve done for a number of consecutive years now, we are delighted to kick off 2025 with the return of these two mainstays to our Education Lot menu. This is Passenger’s seventh consecutive year presenting pacamara and gesha variety separations from the Batres family in Apaneca, El Salvador, and these fresh arrivals are tasting as consistently delicious as ever.

Montecarlos Pacamara - Education Lot

This year’s pacamara variety separation from Montecarlos continues to exemplify what unique plant genetics can bring to the cup. Expect many of the deeply sweet flavors we’ve come to love from this coffee: butterscotch and brown butter complimented by rich cocoa and toasted almonds, all nicely balanced by a subtle orange-like acidity.

Montecarlos Gesha - Education Lot

The winning combination of the prized gesha variety and the rich volcanic soils of Montecarlos Estate makes for yet another nuanced and delicate cup with this 2024 harvest. Floral qualities reminiscent of honeysuckle and vanilla are present both aromatically and in the cup, accompanied by flavors of creamy milk chocolate and Meyer lemon, as well as a mild plum-like quality that develops as the coffee cools.

A Washed Gesha Selection from Divino Niño producer Edwin Cuellar

Since the very early days of the ‘Copa-Sauaceña’ cupping competitions in Suaza, Huila, to the more expanded ‘Copa de Oro’ regional competitions of recent years, Jose Edwin Cuellar has remained an award-winning producer to watch. As one of a number of individual producers belonging to the Divino Niño partnership, we are particularly excited to get to share this extremely limited separation of gesha that comes exclusively from Edwin’s farm. While this small region of central Huila is not as widely recognized for its gesha as neighboring regions to the north or south, Edwin is clearly challenging that narrative with this lot.

Opening with clear citrus oil aromatics on the nose, we find plenty of ripe strawberry and juicy red pair in the cup alongside another level of integrated florality that reminds us of oolong tea. In addition, there is a persistent melon-like flavor that contributes to a creamy and round mouthfeel, bringing yet another layer of complexity to this outstanding entry from one of our perennial favorite producers.