Nicaragua Finca Los Jilgueros

This lot is from Manuel Armando Peralta's Finca Los Jilgueros. This 100% Pacamara variety, single-plot microlot utilises a raised bed natural process with an extended anaerobic cherry fermentation.
 
The Peralta Family coffee-growing history dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, but it was only in 2008 that brothers Julio and Octavio shifted focus to developing unique specialty preparations. We are privileged to have known the Peraltas for several years and have always admired the attitude and values that they have brought to their operation. We are delighted to bring their microlots and special preparations to Europe. From single plot, single varietal separations to carefully controlled extended fermentations, the Peralta family continue to position themselves at the forefront of specialty coffee innovation.
 
The Process
This lot utilises a natural process. Coffee selected and harvested then laid out to dry in cherry for a total of 28 days, 22 days on outdoor raised beds and 6 days undercover.
The coffee is turned regularly throughout the day and covered at night to protect from moisture. This coffee is processed at the San Ignacio Mill in Mozonte, near Ocatal in Nueva Segovia. The mill manager Mayerling Escoto has specific responsibility for all the processing at this microlot-only mill.
 
The Region
Finca Los Jilgueros is situated near the village of Brujil in Macuelizo, Nueva Segovia.
 
In 1801 the existence of precious minerals was discovered in Macuelizo, attracting many immigrants from other regions of the country, motivated by these newfound resources. By 1813 the first hamlet had been formed and in 1815 it was founded as a town. The first founders of this municipality were the Cáceres and Ramírez families, from Honduras; those who over time became the administrators of the mines. This municipality also has molejón stone mines where they extract stones that are sold and used to sharpen knives, axes and machetes. It also has granite, tungsten, molybdenum, lead, basalt, and pyrite mines. Macuelizo is recognized for its quiet rural life, where you can feel the scent of pine blossoms and coffee; and as an ancestral town, originated by the exploitation of gold and silver in colonial times.
 
Coffee is now a major contributor to the local economy alongisde distinctive Creole seed beans, for which the area is famed.
 
Nueva Segovia boasts some of the highest growing altitudes in Nicaragua. The terrain is as beautiful as it is challenging to traverse, characterised by rolling hills and dense forest, often engulfed by thick clouds.