Honduras – El Laurel Parainema Washed

Origin: Honduras
Region: Danlí, El Paraíso
Farm: El Laurel
Producer: Oscar Daniel Ramírez Valerio
Variety: Parainema
Process: Washed
Altitude: 1,400 MASL
Harvest: January–March 2025
Arrival: August 2025
Roasted for: Filter

Tastes Like
🍋 Meyer Lemon – bright, clean acidity with gentle sweetness
🍯 Honey – silky texture and deep natural sweetness
🍑 Peach Tea – soft, lingering stone fruit finish
🌿 Herbal Florals – delicate aromatics adding complexity

In the Cup
A beautifully balanced washed Parainema that showcases the beautioful Honduras’ El Paraíso region. The cup opens with sparkling, almost effervescent, citrus and transitions into smooth honeyed sweetness, framed by subtle florals and soft stone fruit. Vibrant yet refined, this coffee has a clarity and structure that makes it deeply satisfying, whether enjoyed hot or as it cools.

About the Farm
The story of El Laurel is one of dedication, family, and steady growth. Its owner, Oscar Daniel Ramírez Valerio, began his coffee journey with just half a hectare of land inherited from his father. Through years of hard work and reinvestment — and with the unwavering support of his wife — Oscar gradually expanded the estate. Today, his sons have joined the operation, bringing new energy and ensuring the continuity of this family tradition.

The farm’s success is built on sustainable agricultural practices and a close relationship with IHCAFE (Instituto Hondureño del Café). By following scientific cultivation recommendations, Oscar maintains healthy, high-yielding coffee trees. Dense foliage across the property serves as natural erosion control, protecting the soil and retaining moisture during the rainy season.

El Laurel’s commitment to quality has earned global recognition. In the 2017 Honduras Cup of Excellence, the farm won first place, achieving an impressive score of 91.81 points — a milestone that placed Oscar among Honduras’ most respected producers. The winning lot sold at auction for $124.50 and $122.90 per pound, an extraordinary achievement. El Laurel has continued to excel in national competitions, finishing second in the 2023 Best Parainema and eighth in 2025.

About the Variety
Parainema is a Sarchimor-derived hybrid that thrives at medium altitudes. It is known for its resistance to leaf rust and nematodes, and for producing large, high-quality beans with remarkably sweet and fruity profiles. El Laurel’s Parainema, in particular, has become one of the most celebrated examples of the variety — praised for its balance, clarity, and aromatic depth.

Why We Love It
This coffee captures everything we admire about Honduran craftsmanship: precision, purity, and family-driven passion. The washed process highlights the Parainema’s elegant acidity and honeyed sweetness, while Oscar’s meticulous farming ensures consistency and depth. A shining example of why El Paraíso continues to stand out on the world stage.

What is the roast recency?

We recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 8-12 weeks. We have the option to either purchase standard beans (at least 2 weeks but no longer than 6 weeks off roast), or rested beans (at least 7 weeks off roast, no longer than 12). For peak flavour, if you are looking to use immediately, we recommend purchasing the rested beans. If you are adding to your rotation of beans, we recommend purchasing the standard and allowing the beans to naturally rest and mature whilst you rotate through other beans.