At Big Dog Coffee, we craft our roasts from the heart of the South Wales Valleys, a region known for its hard work, resilience, and community spirit. Our background influences our approach to coffee: genuine, straightforward, and respectful of the people behind each bean. We believe specialty coffee should be accessible and simple, not exclusive or overly complicated. It's meant for everyday people.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our latest offering: Guatemala Ayarza Anaerobic Natural. This coffee features vibrant tropical flavours and a story that links the Guatemalan hillsides to the valleys we call home.
Coffee from Santa Rosa, Guatemala
This lot comes from Ayarza, Santa Rosa, where volcanic soils and high-altitude conditions create the perfect environment for vibrant, fruit-forward coffee. At our Ayarza cherry mill, cherries are carefully selected and processed using the anaerobic natural method, which brings out stunning tropical complexity in the cup.
While processing is often done farmer-by-farmer in Guatemala, our mill model centralises the work. By paying a premium for ripe cherry and maintaining strict standards, we ensure that every lot is consistent and reflects the best of the region.
The People Behind the Coffee
One of the many farmers contributing to this lot is Arnaldo López, who has worked in coffee since childhood. With 12.6 hectares of farmland and the support of his wife Alicia and their children, Arnaldo continues a family tradition while adapting to the challenges of modern coffee farming — from disease to fluctuating yields.
For us in the Valleys, Arnaldo’s story resonates. Just like the communities here, his work is defined by resilience, graft, and a commitment to doing things right, even when times are tough.
The Flavour in Your Cup
We’ve roasted Guatemala Ayarza with care to keep it approachable while letting its unique character shine.
Tasting Notes:
- 🍋 Zesty lime
- 🥝 Juicy kiwi
- 🥭 Sweet mango
- 🌊 A silky smooth body
This coffee is vibrant and tropical without being overwhelming, making it an ideal brew for daily enjoyment, whether you prefer espresso or filter coffee.
Why It Matters to Us
As roasters from the Welsh Valleys, we take pride in connecting producers like Arnaldo with our customers. We avoid jargon and exclusivity, instead sharing the story straightforwardly, sincerely, and respectfully.
Ultimately, coffee is about connection: from the hillside farms of Guatemala to your mug in South Wales and beyond. That’s what “specialty coffee for everyday people” signifies to us.
Try Guatemala Ayarza today. Available in limited quantities, so enjoy it while you can.
From Guatemala to the Valleys, this coffee links people, land, and stories in every cup.
