Armando Quinteros grows coffee on a 2-hectare farm called El Matazano in El Volcanito, a remote region near Casillas, Guatemala. This is the fourth consecutive season his coffee has reached the international market, and nearly his entire harvest goes to support the work of the Cafe Colis Resistencia collective — a group of Xinca growers who are both skilled farmers and active land defenders resisting the Escobal silver mine.
Armando is one of the newer members of the collective to take on full processing and drying responsibilities. In 2021, the growers purchased a communal depulper, and by 2022 they were processing their own coffees with impressive results. This shift from selling cherry to intermediaries — though it requires loans and delayed payment — allows them to capture more value and maintain control over quality.
What You'll Taste
- Flavor Profile: Milk chocolate, brown sugar, almond butter, cherry pie, apple juice
- Body: Full and comforting
- Acidity: Juicy, cooked fruit notes
- Region: El Volcanito, Casillas, Guatemala
- Varietal: Heirloom Guatemalan
The Story Behind the Coffee
The Xinca people have a long history of resistance — from Spanish colonization to modern threats like the Escobal mine, which has caused collapsed homes, dried springs, and devastated ecosystems. In 2017, a blockade led to the mine's closure, and the government recognized Xinca rights. Cafe Colis Resistencia remains active today, and purchasing this coffee directly supports their continued efforts.
Roasted by 1000 Faces Coffee and imported through Semilla Coffee, this selection exemplifies what makes Guatemalan coffee a staple: approachable, layered, and deeply satisfying. At Clive Coffee, we believe great espresso starts with great coffee — and stories like Armando's remind us why sourcing matters.