Pour Overs are Back!

Featuring a Special Offering: Maria Bonita / Honduras FTO

My trip to Honduras may have been my fourth origin trip (and my shortest), but it was definitely the most impactful. The idea for this sourcing trip was brought to me by my good friend, Joe Marrocco, who was putting together his first organized origin trip. I was honored to be asked to join, and we had a strong Midwestern (and particularly Minnesotan) representation within our group. Our trip started in San Pedro Sula, and I was instantly blown away by the natural beauty of the country and the hospitality of every single person we came across. A beautiful country, amazing people, and fantastic coffee.

I will be the first to admit, my knowledge of Honduran coffee was limited. I had not seen a ton of specialty-grade Honduras come across my cupping tables over the years, and almost none of them were organic. However, the samples Joe sent me absolutely blew me away, and we HAD to go source some of this coffee for ourselves. What I discovered was a huge range of complex flavors and some organic farming practices that were unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Raised Drying Bed in Marcala, Honduras | Joe Marrocco, David Chall, CJ Porter Born

I have an affinity for natural process coffees, probably more so than most roasters I know. I can drink natural process coffee all day, and I’m always on the hunt for new lots. This specific lot completely changed the way I perceive natural process coffees as a whole. The bright floral notes you would expect from a natural jumped out at me instantly. Then the fruit began to steal the show. Red berries and cherry are the dominant flavors. There is a backbone of a nice cocoa, like a baker’s chocolate. And finally, what surprised me the most—just how juicy this coffee is. It’s very rare (in my personal experience) to find a natural process coffee that is THIS juicy, and I fell in love with it right away.

Now, this coffee returns to me at the Spyhouse roastery, and I am beyond excited to share it with you all. Honduras is a magical place, and I left a little piece of myself there. My perspective on travel, grilled meat, and coffee alike was drastically changed on my short trip there, and I am forever grateful that I had that opportunity. It is my wish to share just a little bit of that feeling with everyone through a cup of coffee—a cup of coffee that changed the way I saw naturals forever. Enjoy!

– CJ, Spyhouse Head Roaster / Green Coffee Buyer