HONDURAS Marcala Flor Azul

PROCESSING: Washed ; SCA Score: 83.25 points

Flavor Profile: Notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and stone fruit, with a citrusy acidity and a smooth body.

Although Honduras is a small country, it has an enormous amount to offer as Central America's largest coffee producer. Located in the heart of the region, this vibrant country stands out for its impressive natural beauty—from steep mountains to vast forests and biodiversity-rich jungles. It is no wonder that Honduras is often called the "green lung" of Central America.

Montecillos is one of the six official coffee-producing regions in Honduras and, without a doubt, one of the most special. Located along the border with El Salvador in the country's southwest, the Montecillos region benefits from high altitudes and ideal climatic conditions for cultivating specialty coffee. Due to its quality, Montecillos has gained international recognition and is home to Honduras's first designation of origin: Café de Marcala.

Flor Azul is a special selection from Marcala, located in the La Paz department. It is produced by small and medium-scale farmers who are part of MARCAFE, an association made up of approximately 660 producers cultivating coffee on the slopes of the Montecillos Sierra mountain range. All MARCAFE members follow sustainable agricultural practices—enriching soils with organic matter, protecting forests, and conserving water resources.

Together, MARCAFE producers cultivate coffee on approximately 70 hectares, featuring varieties such as Catuai, Pacas, Pache, Icatu, and Bourbon. During the harvest, farmers bring the ripe cherries to the processing station, where they are fermented, washed, and dried. Drying begins on patios down to a moisture level of 40%, followed by a 10–12 hour resting period, and then continues for 6–8 days until the beans reach the optimal moisture content of 10.5%–12%—a process that ensures uniform drying and preserves bean quality.