Onyx - Guatemala El Libano Gesha

In the shadow of Guatemala's towering Acatenango volcano, at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level, lies El Libano, a farm rich with history and promise. For over a century, the Pérez family has nurtured this land, with Herbert Estuardo Pérez Liquidano now at the helm, carrying forward a legacy of dedication to craft and cultivation. Purchased by Herbert’s grandfather in 1915, the farm began its life growing corn, beans, and sugarcane, but it wasn’t until 1940 that coffee plants first took root in the volcanic soil of the valley. Nestled in the renowned Acatenango region, where the high elevation and winds offs the volano provide the perfect conditions, El Libano flourished. By 1960, it had transformed into a fully-fledged coffee estate, equipped with a wet mill, new roads, and trucks to transport its precious cargo.

Since the early days of the farm, each season has brought unique challenges. Leaf rust swept through the valley, prompting Herbert Estuardo Pérez Liquidano to seek full-time employment in the local department of agriculture. But this time spent studying agronomy became a hidden gift, as Herbert applied newfound knowledge and modern farming practices to improve the resilience and quality of his coffee. This ushered in a new era for the farm, and today, El Libano is known for world-class coffees. At 1,900 meters above sea level, the farm’s high altitude contributes to the exceptional character its coffee. Over the years, the product of their hard work has been utilized to win several competitions, coming to us by way of our mutual friend Raulito.