The 2018 Cup of Excellence in Nicaragua has awarded 35 coffees with the lowest score at 86.66.
Out of 214 farmers who submitted their lots, 40 coffees were submitted to a jury comprised of coffee professionals from Russia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Germany, the United States, Mexico, South Korea and Japan.
The competition yielded a large percentage of winners from the region of Matagalpa, where the competition was held from 10 to 13 April. Other regions included Nueva Segovia, Jinotega and Madriz.
The top lot, from Luis Alberto Balladares Moncada’s farm, La Bendicion, scored a 91.80 with a natural processed Red Pacamara from Nueva Segovia.
“Competition in coffee stimulates quality and service,” Luis said.
In a repeat performance, last year’s second place winner, Gonzalo Adán Castillo Moreno, placed second again with his hybrid variety Centroamericano.
Gonzalo’s honey processed coffee scored 90.42 and made headlines last year with the joint project with World Coffee Research and Exportadora Atlantic’s hybrid program. This year, there were four coffees in the Top 11 that were hybrids, all derived from the hybrid program.
“A mix of varietal and process have led to delightful experiences and wonderfully balanced coffees,” said Head Judge Scott Conary.
“[We tasted coffees that were] bright with sweet acidity, crystal clear and lasting. [They shared] the table with rich, creamy and fruit forward coffees with nice depth. The range shows spectacular examples of both traditional Nicaraguan coffees and also some remarkable different profiles. These are the types of coffees I get excited to share with the judges.”
The Nicaragua Cup of Excellence online auction will be held on 5 June.
To learn more, check out ACE’s website www.allianceforexcellence.org.