Caramel and almond biscuit aromas lead into a juicy orange notes and brown sugar, and grapefruit in the finish.
Tucked into the rolling hills of Palencia, just a short drive east of Guatemala City, lies San Patricio El Limón - a coffee farm that's as much about family and community as it is about exceptional coffee. First established in 1997, the estate has passed through three generations of the Aguilar family and is now owned and operated by Guadalupe "Beto" Reyes and his family. It's a shining example of what happens when passion, innovation, and collaboration come together.
Finca El Limón is the jewel in the crown of the San Patricio Estate, which also includes El Morito and Bella Vista. The family purchased El Limón over two decades ago and have since renovated older areas by terracing the land to prevent erosion, planting new coffee varieties, and introducing sustainable farming practices - following organic principles, though not certified. The farm features established shade cover, high altitude, and plenty of sunlight, allowing coffee to mature slowly and develop high sugar levels and consistent quality. Soil analysis undertaken by the family provides invaluable data for cultivation.
Beto's approach to coffee is rooted in care and curiosity. His desire to experiment is one of the big reasons we love buying from San Patricio El Limón. We were first introduced seven years ago by our mutual friend Raul Rodas (2012 World Barista Champion), and the farm just keeps getting more impressive each year. Their 2021 naturally processed Pacamara earned 14th place in the Guatemala Cup of Excellence with a score of 88.01 - a notable achievement that reflects both the quality of their coffees and the growing recognition of the estate.
The family have operated their own wet mill since the very beginning, giving them control over quality and traceability. Run by Beto's brother Felix, the mill can process many lots simultaneously, keeping separate days' pickings, processes, and varietals in their own parcels. Beto has invested in state-of-the-art equipment including imported floating tanks and pulping machines. The wet mill also benefits the local community, as neighbours within Palencia bring their coffees here to be processed. Over time, the family has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure: rebuilding the wet mill, adding a QC lab, constructing a new warehouse, building worker accommodations, and installing around eight water reservoirs across the farm to preserve this vital resource.
San Patricio is very much a family affair. Beto's son Saul studied agronomy for seven years and now applies his knowledge to benefit practices on the farm. Beto's wife Maralyn, their children Elena and Betio, Betio's wife Mafer, and Beto's brother Felix all play a part in the day-to-day running of the estate. Social sustainability is important to the Reyes family - they work hard to build loyalty and team spirit, treating their people as equals and collaborators. Staff retention is strong, with numerous pickers having worked with the family for many years.
Palencia isn't one of Guatemala's eight officially recognised coffee-growing regions - names like Antigua, Huehuetenango, and Cobán tend to dominate the conversation = but it's quietly carving out its own identity, thanks in large part to the Reyes family. With volcanic soil, temperate climate, and high altitudes, Palencia has all the natural ingredients for exceptional coffee. What it lacks in historical recognition, it makes up for in innovation and community spirit. Oh, and Beto also happens to be a former Mayor of Palencia, having worked tirelessly to support and elevate the community alongside running his farm. Honestly, no idea how he finds enough hours in the day = what a guy.
- Country: Guatemala
- Region: Palencia
- Farm: San Patricio El Limón
- Farmer: Guadalupe Alberto 'Beto' Reyes Aguilar & the Reyes family
- Altitude: 1,600–1,800 masl
- Variety: Caturra
- Process: Washed
- Harvest: December–April