Honduras — SHG

Origin: Various Regions (Marcala, Copán, Ocotepeque)

Profile: Crisp, Nutty, and Naturally Sweet

In the world of Central American coffee, SHG (Strictly High Grown) is more than just a label—it is a mark of quality. These beans are cultivated at altitudes above 1,350 meters, where the cooler temperatures cause the coffee cherries to mature more slowly. This slow growth creates a much denser bean, packing it with concentrated sugars and a complex, refined acidity that lower-altitude coffees simply can’t match.

Honduran SHG is celebrated for its remarkable balance, offering a “middle ground” that appeals to almost every palate.

Flavour Experience

Body: Medium and creamy with a smooth texture.
Notes: A harmonious blend of milk chocolate, roasted almond, and a subtle honey sweetness.
Acidity: Crisp and “green-apple” like; bright but well-integrated.
Finish: Refreshing and clean, often leaving a light caramel lingering on the tongue.

Best Enjoyed As

Honduras SHG is famously versatile. Its structural density makes it a “roaster’s favorite” because it is very forgiving under heat:

All-Day Drip Coffee: Its balanced nature makes it easy to drink cup after cup.
Cold Brew: The natural chocolate and nut notes are amplified when steeped cold, resulting in a naturally sweet, low-acid concentrate.
Specialty Blends: It acts as an “anchor,” providing a sweet, solid base that allows more floral African beans to shine.

The Grading Secret: When you see SHG, you will often see EP (European Preparation) attached to it. This means the beans have been hand-sorted to remove any imperfections, ensuring that only the cleanest, most uniform beans make it into your bag.