Since Nicaragua's first Cup of Excellence competition, coffees from the Dipilto region have consistently placed at or near the top. This doesn't surprise us. The area boasts some of the highest elevation in the country, traditional Arabica varieties dominate the landscape, and shade and biodiversity on farms remain high.

In 2015, we began exploring Dipilto more deeply—searching for new partners whose vision was aligned with our own. After tasting many samples and taking more than a few trips to the region, we’ve been impressed with the level of dedication and consistency that the owners of Finca La Victoria have shown since we met them in 2017.

The original owners of Finca La Victoria first planted coffee in 1872. Eventually, most of their coffee made its way into regional blends after being sold to large estates nearby. Mario Martin Lovo and his wife, Nelly, purchased the farm in 2007, not knowing at the time that it had once belonged to his great-grandmother, Helena. Since then, the Lovos bought smaller parcels nearby, increasing the size of the farm to nearly 60 hectares. Along with growing the size of the farm, the Lovos have made steady improvements and renovations over the years. Most recently, they invested in modernizing their pulping and processing equipment, which has helped add complexity to the flavor of their coffee while using less water than traditional methods.

Previous years’ lots from Finca La Victoria fit Big Trouble perfectly because of their approachable, sweet flavors. Though much of the coffee we purchased from Finca La Victoria this harvest will be featured in Big Trouble this year, we're excited to share this special microlot—produced especially for us—that highlights the commitment to quality and constant improvement that first sparked our interest in Finca La Victoria.