Introducing El Tambor: A Taste of Guatemala’s Heritage
We’re proud to announce the arrival of El Tambor, a new single origin from our friends at Onyx Coffee. Earlier this year, our team had the privilege of visiting Onyx's Guatemalan farms in person, seeing firsthand the care and commitment behind every cherry.
A Farm with Deep Roots
Nestled in the lush hills of Fraijanes, Palencia, El Tambor—meaning “The Drum”—gets its name from a mysterious sound that echoed through the land during rainy seasons long ago, believed to come from a hidden underground waterfall. This farm’s rich history dates back to 1930, evolving from cattle ranching to coffee cultivation in the 1960s. Today, it’s in the passionate hands of Victor Calderon and his family, who's commitment and passion have earned them multiple Cup of Excellence awards.
The Coffee: Craft at Every Step
The coffee grown at El Tambor is a beautiful expression of its terroir, grown at 1,700–1,750 meters above sea level. The farm cultivates Bourbon, Caturra, and Catuai varieties, and this particular lot is fully washed—a meticulous process that starts with hand-picking only the ripest cherries and involves 31 hours of fermentation before sun drying for up to 20 days. The result? A cup bursting with clarity, balance, and an underlying sugary sweetness—a testament to the farm’s cold nights and nutrient-rich loamy-clay soils.
A Vision of Sustainability
Victor’s approach to farming is rooted in biodynamic and organic practices—what he modestly calls “common sense.” Beyond coffee, El Tambor is home to avocado trees, honey production, and vibrant natural forests that provide a sanctuary for butterflies and wildlife. The Calderon family also invests deeply in their workers’ well-being, offering land for food crops, supporting home construction, and running projects like fish farming and livestock support.
From Seed to Cup
What struck us most during our visit was the incredible precision and care behind every step of the process. From selecting 50,000 seeds each year to nurturing only the strongest plants, and hand-sorting every batch of cherries, El Tambor is a model of what intentional coffee farming looks like.
We’re excited to share this beautiful Guatemalan coffee with you. El Tambor will be available at all Lost Coffee locations this Friday 05.09 and online for a limited time. Stop by for a cup, or bring a bag home to savor a piece of this remarkable story.