Some coffees arrive quietly at the roastery. Others announce themselves the moment the sample hits the cupping table.

Monte Flor was one of those coffees.

Grown in the highlands of San Marcos, Guatemala, this lot comes from Nueva Granada, the remarkable farm owned by producer Dieter Nottebohm. Surrounded by the towering volcanic peaks of Tajumulco and Tacaná, the farm sits in a landscape that seems almost purpose-built for growing exceptional coffee.

Cool mountain air slows the ripening of the cherries. Dense shade trees protect the plants from harsh sunlight. Volcanic soils provide the minerals that help shape sweetness and structure in the cup.

All of it contributes to the character we look for when selecting single origins for St Martins.

Monte Flor is a coffee that leans confidently into ripe fruit sweetness, clarity and balance — a cup that feels vibrant from the first sip but never loses its composure.

Behind that flavour sits the work of Dieter and his team at Nueva Granada, where coffee has been grown with a deep respect for the land, the environment and the people who make the harvest possible.

Coffee From the Shadow of Volcanoes

Nueva Granada sits between two of the tallest volcanoes in Guatemala — Tajumulco and Tacaná. The surrounding terrain is dramatic: steep mountain slopes, deep green forests and cool highland air.

This environment shapes everything about the coffee grown here.

Cooler temperatures slow the ripening of the cherries, allowing sugars to develop gradually. Shade trees protect the plants from intense sunlight while contributing organic matter back into the soil.

When the coffee trees bloom in March and April, the farm fills with the scent of jasmine-like white flowers drifting across the hillsides. It’s one of the most beautiful moments in the coffee calendar.

Months later, the branches begin to fill with fruit. By late October, the cherries turn deep red and begin their journey toward harvest.

The combination of altitude, climate and patient cultivation creates the kind of clarity and sweetness that makes Guatemalan coffees so respected across the speciality coffee world.

The Farm: Nueva Granada

Nueva Granada is not a small farm.

It spans an impressive 675 hectares, making it one of the larger estates in the region. But size alone does not define it.

What makes Nueva Granada remarkable is its commitment to environmental balance.

More than 60 hectares of the farm are preserved as wild woodland, creating natural corridors that allow wildlife — including deer and pumas — to move through the landscape and between neighbouring farms.

The rest of the land maintains tree cover as well, with shade trees such as Inga and macadamia growing alongside the coffee plants.

These trees serve multiple purposes.

They protect the coffee from harsh sun, support biodiversity and also provide an additional source of income for the farm.

Coffee farming at this scale requires constant care and careful planning, but the result is a landscape that remains productive while still respecting the ecosystem around it.

Meet the Producer: Dieter Nottebohm

At the centre of Nueva Granada is Dieter Nottebohm, the owner and steward of the farm.

Dieter is deeply committed to producing exceptional coffee while maintaining a responsible approach to farming.

His work reflects a belief that great coffee begins long before roasting or brewing — it begins in the soil, the environment and the community surrounding the farm.

Over the years, Dieter has navigated some of the biggest challenges facing coffee producers worldwide.

One of the most significant has been coffee leaf rust (La Roya), a devastating disease that has affected farms across Central and South America.

Traditional varieties like Bourbon are particularly susceptible to rust, which can devastate entire harvests.

In response, Dieter has carefully adjusted the varietals planted across the farm.

Today, varieties such as Caturra and Catuai have become more prominent, offering improved resilience while still producing excellent cup quality.

But innovation hasn’t stopped there.

Nueva Granada has also introduced Geisha and Laurina, two highly regarded varieties known for their unique flavour profiles.

In fact, the Laurina trees on the farm began from just 25 seeds originally brought from Réunion Island — a remarkable example of how coffee genetics travel across the world.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Farm

Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Nueva Granada — it’s woven into the daily operations of the farm.

Each year, the farm produces more than 40 tonnes of compost using coffee pulp and macadamia husks.

Red worms help break down this organic material, creating rich soil nutrients that feed the next generation of plants.

Water is also carefully managed.

Natural springs on the property provide clean water that supports both processing and nearby communities.

These springs are protected and maintained to ensure they remain a reliable resource.

But the farm’s responsibility extends beyond the land.

Dieter also invests in the people who make the farm possible.

Health workers are employed to support education, first aid and vaccinations for workers and their families. Schooling is paid for, and scholarships are offered to support children from the community.

These efforts recognise something essential about speciality coffee:

Great coffee is never the result of one person alone. It is always the work of a team.

From Cherry to Green Bean

Coffee processing is where careful farming meets careful craftsmanship.

Once harvested, the cherries begin a meticulous journey through processing and drying.

Nueva Granada works with several methods including washed, natural and honey processes, allowing the farm to explore different flavour expressions depending on the lot.

Eco-processors are preferred because they reduce water usage — an important factor in sustainable coffee production.

However, the farm’s natural springs provide an additional clean water source when needed.

Processing takes place directly on the farm, where the coffee is also milled before being prepared for export.

This close control over each stage ensures consistency and quality.

From the moment the cherries are picked to the moment the green beans are shipped across the world, every step is monitored carefully.

Roasting at the St Martins Roastery

When green coffee like this arrives at the St Martins Roastery in Leicestershire, the work shifts from farming to roasting.

Our goal is always the same: to highlight the natural qualities of the coffee rather than overpower them.

For this lot, that meant developing a roast profile that emphasises clarity and sweetness.

Roast too dark and the origin character disappears. Roast too light and the cup can feel sharp or unfinished.

The sweet spot lies somewhere in between.

Through careful roasting and repeated cupping, we dialled in a profile that brings out the fruit, balance and structure this coffee offers.

What Does Monte Flor Taste Like?

This is where the magic happens.

In the cup, Monte Flor opens with bright sweetness and layered fruit character.

You’ll notice vibrant notes that move between stone fruit, citrus and gentle sweetness, supported by a smooth body and a clean finish.

As the coffee cools, new flavours emerge.

Hints of soft chocolate and delicate florals begin to appear, adding depth and complexity.

It’s the kind of coffee that rewards attention.

Take your time with it. Let it cool slightly. Notice how the flavour shifts from sip to sip.

That evolving experience is part of what makes single origin coffee so fascinating.

Brewing Monte Flor

To experience the full range of flavours, we recommend brewing this coffee using methods that allow clarity to shine.

Filter methods such as V60, Chemex or AeroPress will highlight its brightness and delicate sweetness.

If you prefer espresso, you’ll find it produces a beautifully balanced shot with a smooth finish and subtle fruit notes.

Whatever your preferred method, start with fresh water, a consistent grind and a little patience.

Good coffee rewards good preparation.

Discover Monte Flor

If you enjoy coffees with bright fruit character, balanced sweetness and a clean finish, this one is worth exploring.

Monte Flor is available now as part of our single origin range.

Brew it slowly. Share it with friends. Add it to your Coffee Passport and see where the flavours take you.

👉 Shop the Monte Flor Single Origin now and experience Guatemala in the cup.