Guatemala - Flor del Café (Washed)

Origin: New Oriente, Guatemala
Producer: Flor del Café - Marvin Carias
Process: Washed
Roast: Medium
Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, floral honey, balanced

This is the one you can reach for every morning. We brought it in at the start of fall, just as the New York mornings were turning crisp, and it's exactly what we wanted in the cup as the seasons change: rich, smooth and dependable.

Grown by Marvin Carias at Flor del Café in Guatemala's New Oriente region, this washed coffee has very little acidity. There's no sharp bite at the first sip, just a smooth, bold cup from start to finish. Let it cool a little and it opens up: floral honey and a velvety body with gentle sweetness come forward the longer you sit with it.

It's also one of the most forgiving coffees we've roasted. It works as espresso, pour over, French press or anything in between.

How we like to brew it:

• For bold and rich: Use an immersion brew like a French press, or steep in a Hario Switch before draining. This brings out the dark chocolate and body.
• For bright and sweet: A pour over (I use the V60) lifts the floral honey and the lighter, more delicate notes.
• For everyday ease: A regular drip coffee maker works great too.

However you brew it: The two things that matter most are good filtered water and grinding your coffee fresh, right before you brew.