Craig’s Coffee Pick

Nicaragua Monimbo Estate
by Craig Russell

Along-time partner with Mercon in Matagalpa, Monimbo is 100% Caturra, and we found it to have a complex acidity with florals, grapefruit, and raspberries.

The word Monimbo comes from the Nahuatl indigenous language which means “close to the water”. The Monimbo farm is located in the northern region of Nicaragua in Matagalpa at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level. The Marenco family, has owned the farm for 35 years, since then, they have gain recognition for their visionary coffee farming. The Marenco family is known for their commitment to education and the protection of the environment in their community. They are active donors of the Nicarao School working in collaboration with Seeds for Progress Foundation.

I traveled to visit the Marenco family, toured the farm, spent time with the family and visited the Nicarao School on the farm. The combination of the farming practices, commitment to the Seeds for Progress school program and incredible microclimate and stunning landscape captured me. 

Then, the coffee. It is a wonderfully complex cup and delightful to consume as a pour over or however you drink your cup.