Back to make it rain once again comes 2020’s release of Rainmaker Geisha from the team at Finca La Soledad, Guatemala.
La Soledad is run by the Pérez family, brothers Raúl and José and their mother and father, Mercedes and Henio. After eight years of working alongside this talented family, we’ve formed a pretty tight relationship. We’re excited to share another year of the Rainmaker Geisha with you.
Their continual commitment to quality sees them pushing the boundaries when it comes to producing coffee and is evident at every stage of production; from the meticulous soil analysis in the field to the pristine ecological wet mill.
So, we sat down, over the internet and had a chat with Raúl Pérez.
Q: Why is it called Rainmaker?
Raúl: I think Heath called it Rainmaker. We needed rain at the farm and Heath was here when it rained for the first time in weeks.
Q: Why is it important to develop new varieties of coffee trees?
Raúl: Having different varieties of coffees prevents diseases from spreading so easily - by having different genetics is harder to spread the disease. Also, by having more flavour profiles on the farm, we can reach different markets and we can give our customers more diversity.
Q: How will this affect your farm?
Raúl: It’s always a process for us. First, we have to trial the variety we want to put in for a couple of years. This shows us if the coffee trees adapt to our environment and will produce the quality we are looking for.
Q: How do you feel seeing your coffee for sale on the other side of the world?
Raúl: It provides a sense of pride and responsibility. Pride to see that all of the work and effort done by our family and workers is remembered with each cup or bag. We hold the big responsibility of maintaining the quality or continuing to improve it every year. We like to create new things at the farm.
Q: What work trucks are you rocking at La Soledad?
Raúl: We have two: a red Isuzu from 1998 and a white Ford truck from mid 80's.
Q: How do you brew your coffee at home?
Raúl: Usually through a Chemex for its clarity.
Q: What’s for breakfast next to your mug of coffee?
Raúl: Tortillas - tortillas are very important. Also, avena, scrambled eggs, black beans and cream or cheese.
Q: Do you drink other coffee from around the world?
Raúl: We have the privilege that our partners around the world bring us coffees from all over the world.
It’s exciting to work with Raúl and José, because they are representatives of a new generation of producers who are continuing coffee farming - they’re forward-focused and open-minded to new ways of producing coffee and new varieties. It’s amazing to work with a family who’s so passionate about carrying coffee production into the future.
