Herlindo Reynoso and his son Alejandro

       

Country:  Guatemala

Department:  El Progreso

Municipality:  San Antonio La Paz

Grower:  Alejandro Reynoso

Farm:  La Colina (43 acres of coffee)

Altitude/Elevation:  5,500 - 6,000 ft (1676.4 - 1828.8 meters)

Coffee Varieties Grown:  Bourbon, Catuai, Caturra, San Ramon

Years Active:  Farm planted in 1980

Characteristics:  Full body. Flavor consisting of warm cinnamon, molasses, earthy spices and raw honey

Shop single origin coffee from La Colina:  Herlindo

The story of Rodney, Herlindo, and Alejandro...

In the verdant highlands east of Guatemala City, a deep-rooted partnership blossomed between passionate coffee roaster Rodney Hensley (founder of SoZo Coffee Roasting) and Herlindo Reynoso, a resilient farmer at La Colina. Their journey began in 2016, sparked by a mutual friend who saw potential in uniting Rodney’s market expertise with Herlindo’s rich, untouched coffee crops.

Herlindo, a widower and former auto parts dealer, had turned to coffee farming as a solace after his wife’s passing. Ever since Herlindo was a kid, he was fascinated with coffee. He immersed himself in the craft, meticulously nurturing traditional coffee varieties on his scenic farm.

Recognizing Herlindo’s dedication, Rodney worked to make sure an ecological wet mill was installed to elevate the coffee’s quality, ensuring Herlindo could bypass local middlemen (known as “coyotes”) and connect directly with quality-minded roasters. This step was pivotal, allowing Herlindo to process his coffee beans on-site, enhancing quality and ensuring that the beans' integrity remained intact from farm to cup. Our partnership was more than transactional; it was a shared journey of improvement and learning, benefiting both parties and delivering superior coffee to our customers.

Over time their collaboration deepened, marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for exceptional coffee. When Rodney was visiting, he asked Herlindo about his hobbies, and his poker face softened and a smile lit up the room. Herlindo restores and modifies rusty old pickup trucks, and could tell by his rough-looking hands that he loves it. However, challenges such as Herlindo's battle with cancer and the global disruptions of COVID-19 tested their resolve. Despite these trials, the partnership flourished until Herlindo's peaceful passing.

The legacy of his passion for coffee farming was at a crossroads. Fortunately, Alejandro, Herlindo’s son, decided to continue his father's vision. Stepping back from his own business in the city, Alejandro took over the management of La Colina with a fresh perspective yet maintaining the essence of his father’s methods. With Rodney’s ongoing support they explored innovative farming techniques, ensuring each bean reflected their commitment to quality and respect for Herlindo’s life’s work.

As we look to the future, Rodney and Alejandro’s partnership stands as a testament to the enduring bonds forged through coffee, celebrating a legacy that blends tradition with innovation. This story isn’t just about coffee; it’s about family, heritage, and the commitment to quality that transcends generations.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP HERLINDO COFFEE