Mexico — Agua Mariposa Community Lot, Field Blend (Washed)

Tastes Like — 🍊 Orange • 🍰 Chocolate Cake • 🌰 Almond

DETAILS

• Producers: Smallholder community, Agua Mariposa
• Region: Eloxochitlán de Flores Magón, Sierra Mazateca, Oaxaca, Mexico
• Varietal: Field Blend (Bourbon, Caturra & Oro Azteca)
• Process: Washed
• Altitude: 1,600–1,800 masl
• Harvest: April 2026

INTRO
Agua Mariposa, "butterfly water," is a community in Eloxochitlán de Flores Magón, source of some of ilse's favourite Mexican coffees from the Mazateca mountains. A sweet, round profile with good balance and structure. In the cup: orange, chocolate cake, and almond.

THE PRODUCER
Each individual lot here is so small that separation is impossible, so they are combined into this high-quality community lot. Farm elevations range from 1,600 to 1,800 masl, with Bourbon, Caturra, and Oro Azteca. While ilse typically seeks single-producer lots, finding them in the Mazateca region is nearly impossible: farms are usually under one hectare, and the old-stock Typica and Bourbon planted here yield very little cherry. Many producers are of Mazateco descent and primarily speak their native language, making communication a challenge. Sourcing from this part of Mexico is difficult, but the rewards are certainly worth it.

THE PROCESS
Cherries are picked at peak ripeness and left to ferment in cherry before being de-pulped. They are then wet-fermented for 48–72 hours, washed, and dried on raised beds for 14–17 days.

The in-cherry rest followed by a 48–72 hour wet fermentation is the defining combination. It builds the sweet, round profile and chocolate-forward structure behind the cup.

THE CUP
Sweet, round, and well balanced: orange brightness over a chocolate cake richness, finishing on sweet almond.

Flavour Notes
🍊 Orange 🍰 Chocolate Cake 🌰 Almond