We’re kicking off 2026 with the second installment of my blind coffee cupping in Glasgow, featuring this outstanding coffee from Finca El Tambor in Guatemala

Why I chose this coffee: When selecting this coffee for our subscribers, I didn’t yet know the extraordinary story behind it — a story of putting everything on the line for a vision, a passion and a belief in something truly remarkable. What first drew me to this coffee was the taste: its complex, vibrant flavor left me with a thirst for more after every sip. Discovering Victor Calderón’s journey has only deepened my appreciation for the coffee, knowing the dedication, risk, and care that went into every cup.

About this coffee:

One of the most inspiring parts of releasing a new coffee is learning the story of the farmer behind it. In the case of Victor Calderón, that story is one of heritage, risk, and unwavering belief. A fifth-generation coffee farmer from a family with over 100 years in coffee, Victor embodies both deep tradition and bold innovation.

El Tambor, meaning “The Drum,” is believed to be named after an underground river once heard beating beneath the land. The name perfectly reflects Victor’s approach to farming — moving to his own rhythm and refusing to follow convention. Located just outside Guatemala City, El Tambor has a complex past. Originally founded as a cattle farm in the 1930s, its highest slopes were converted to coffee in the 1960s. By the late 1980s and 1990s, as coffee prices became increasingly volatile, the farm was gradually abandoned and partially used for exploratory mining — until Victor courageously purchased it in 2001.

At a time when the Robusta market was collapsing, Victor made a decisive shift toward specialty Arabica. So committed to his vision of producing high-quality coffee at elevations above 1,500 metres, he sold his house and car to buy El Tambor. From the moment the papers were signed, he began restoring the coffee plots, expanding plantings, and improving the farm’s wet mill — laying the foundation for the exceptional coffee we are proud to share today.

Victor manages the farm with a small team of eight permanent employees, each responsible for their own area and all living on-site. Ten percent of the land is dedicated to workers growing their own vegetables, while nearly half of the farm is preserved as protected forest. During harvest, around 25 seasonal pickers join the team.

The care, innovation, and sustainable practices that Victor and his team put into every stage of production are evident in the cup. This coffee carries the vibrancy of high-altitude Arabica, with sweetness, clarity, and complexity that reflect both the farm’s unique environment and the dedication of the people who nurture it. Each sip tells a story — from the land and the farmer, straight to your cup.

Final thoughts:

This offering from El Tambor is truly an exceptional coffee and a perfect way to kickstart 2026. We’re starting the year as we mean to go on, with some fabulous coffees lined up for our subscribers. We’re really excited to share each one with you and to explore the stories, origins, and history behind every coffee we feature.