San Sebastián comes from one of the most isolated coffee-growing regions in Honduras—a cluster of steep mountain farms in Lempira, where elevation climbs between 1,700 and 2,000 meters above sea level. The farmers here still process cherries using traditional methods and transport their harvest by horseback, not by choice but by necessity. When Alma Coffee's team at Finca Terrerito first tasted samples from this group of eight farmers in late 2020, they knew they'd found something exceptional. The beans are small, dense, and laden with the kind of complexity that only comes from high-altitude terroir and meticulous care.
Alma brought these farmers into their direct trade program after visiting the farms firsthand and verifying sustainable practices. The result is a coffee that tastes like the mountains it comes from: clean, delicate, and unmistakably bright.
Tasting Notes
Expect honey sweetness up front, followed by lemongrass and lime—think herbal tea with a citrus edge. The body is light and tea-like, with a crisp acidity that lingers without overwhelming. The finish is clean and refreshing, leaving you with a subtle floral aftertaste. This is a coffee that rewards attention; each sip reveals new layers as it cools.
Brew Methods
San Sebastián shines brightest in methods that highlight clarity and complexity. Pour over (V60, Kalita Wave) brings out the lemongrass and lime notes with precision. Chemex offers a cleaner, tea-like body that emphasizes the honey sweetness. If you're brewing espresso, expect a delicate shot with vibrant acidity—best as a shorter ratio (1:2 to 1:2.5) to preserve the fruit without thinning out the body. French press can work if you're after a fuller mouthfeel, but expect the brightness to soften considerably.
About Alma Coffee
Alma Coffee operates Finca Terrerito in Honduras and maintains direct relationships with small producer groups like the farmers of San Sebastián. Their "Alma-doption" program ensures traceability, fair pricing, and long-term partnerships that support both quality and sustainability.
Not sure which grind size or brew recipe to start with? Clive's team can walk you through dialing in this coffee on your equipment—whether that's a home espresso setup or a manual brewer.