La Reforma’s story began in 1904, when Manuel Pérez acquired the farm in the mountains of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, growing tobacco, corn, and beans. His son Leonardo carried on the tradition, and in 1939, Leonardo Pérez II introduced coffee to the farm. What began as a family farm grew into a coffee legacy rooted in resilience, hard work, and love for the land.
Each generation of the Pérez family has carried this vision forward, with his children and grandchildren stepping up to build on the foundation laid before them. In those early days, bringing their coffee to market meant a grueling six-day journey by mule, a testament to their grit, faith, and unwavering belief in the quality of their product. Today, the farm is led by Leonardo René Pérez Hidalgo, representing the fourth generation, while the fifth generation is already embracing their family’s rich heritage and passion.
Despite the passage of time and growing international recognition, the Pérez family remains firmly grounded in their core values: dedication, respect for the land, and a commitment to excellence. This passion flows through every stage of their work, from nurturing each coffee tree to carefully selecting only the best cherries. For them, coffee is not just a livelihood, it’s a cherished family tradition. And with every cup enjoyed around the world, their story and passion are shared far beyond the mountains of Guatemala.
This dedication shines brilliantly in their award-winning Geisha from La Reforma, which sets a new benchmark for specialty coffee from Guatemala’s renowned Huehuetenango region. Grown at an elevation of 1800 meters (5,900 feet), this exotic washed coffee captures the vibrant clarity and complex character that make this region so celebrated, while offering a unique sweetness and layered depth that sets it apart.
Earning first place in the Exotic Washed category at the 2024 Guatemala Cup of Excellence with an impressive score of 91.27, this coffee sold for $110.30 per pound, a reflection of its exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship. The cup opens with bright, inviting notes of honey and grapefruit, unfolding into juicy stone fruit and rich chocolate flavors. Delicate hints of chamomile and guava add an elegant, soothing balance, while a smooth texture and lively acidity carry through to a clean, refined finish that gently lingers on the palate.
This coffee is a true expression of the Pérez family’s unwavering dedication to precision, sustainability, and tradition, an extraordinary experience that brings the heart of Guatemala’s coffee heritage to every cup.
While cupping various #1 Cup of Excellence coffees, Kirk Bedrossian reflected with “This Guatemala takes the cake, it could be one of the best coffees of all the number ones. I mean, it’s a trophy.” when U.S. regional roasting champion Rudy, chimed in with “I agree!”
Experience Angelino’s exclusive Cup of Excellence Collection: a once-in-a-lifetime tasting journey through the world’s most exceptional coffees. Find them here.
