Introduction:At the 2024 COE Competition in Mexico, the Las Nieves Cooperative in Oaxaca State claimed double championships in both the Traditional Natural and Honey Processed categories with the Geisha variety, scoring an impressive 91.13 points. How did this historic estate, established in 1880, make a comeback in 2006 and produce world-class coffee through diverse varieties and refined processing methods? Explore the story behind this high-scoring Geisha and the unique charm of the Oaxaca coffee region.
Mexico consistently ranks among the world’s top ten coffee-producing countries and has demonstrated remarkable strength in the specialty coffee sector in recent years. In 2024, exciting news came from the Mexico Cup of Excellence (COE) competition: the Las Nieves Cooperative from Oaxaca State, with its Geisha variety, scored 91.13 points and won double championships in both the Traditional Natural and Honey Processed categories, once again showcasing the potential of Mexican coffee to the world.
Located in southern North America, Mexico boasts exceptional geographical conditions, with its mountainous terrain and diverse climates making it highly suitable for coffee cultivation. The country is home to over 500,000 coffee farmers, over 95% of whom are smallholders with farms typically under 2.83 hectares. The main coffee-growing regions are concentrated in the south, including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Puebla, which together account for over 90% of the nation’s total coffee production.
Oaxaca State is situated in southern Mexico, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west. The region features diverse terrain, and its coffee-growing areas are primarily located at elevations between 900 and 1,650 meters above sea level. Although the area offers ideal altitudes and microclimates for coffee cultivation, it has historically received little international attention due to relatively traditional farming techniques. However, in the 2024 COE competition, the Las Nieves Cooperative from the region stunned judges with its Geisha variety, proving that Oaxaca is also capable of producing world-class coffee.
When discussing the standout of this competition—Las Nieves Estate—it’s essential to look back at its long history. Established in 1880, the estate is located at the southern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Oaxaca State. Blessed with abundant sunshine and pristine mountain spring water, it was once a coffee-growing site with great potential. However, in the 20th century, due to persistently low international coffee prices and its remote location, the estate gradually fell into disuse.
The turning point came in 2006 when local agricultural expert Gustavo Boltjes Rising was determined to revive the land. He founded the cooperative here and resumed management of this historic estate. Gustavo introduced modern agricultural techniques while focusing on diversifying coffee varieties. He brought in several renowned and high-potential Arabica varieties, including Geisha, Typica, Bourbon, Pacamara, SL-28, and Laurina, gradually restoring the vitality of the estate.
Gustavo not only emphasized variety selection but also remained committed to sustainable farming practices. He stressed forest conservation and soil health management, adopting scientific fertilization, shade-grown cultivation, and soil erosion control measures to ensure optimal growing conditions for the coffee trees. Furthermore, he established the cooperative to share advanced planting and post-harvest processing techniques with local farmers, regularly organizing cupping sessions to elevate the overall quality of coffee in the region, ensuring that every step—from planting to harvesting to processing—met high standards.
The Geisha variety, which shone brightly in the COE competition, was meticulously processed by the Las Nieves Cooperative using both Traditional Natural and Honey methods. With a score of 91.13, the judges’ high praise affirmed not only the processing techniques but also the potential of the Oaxaca region. This Geisha typically exhibits pronounced tropical fruit aromas such as mango and passionfruit, coupled with delicate notes of jasmine and lemongrass. It has a bright acidity, a full sweetness, and a long finish, making it an excellent choice for pour over coffee enthusiasts.
For coffee lovers, understanding the stories and regional characteristics behind each coffee helps deepen the appreciation of every cup’s unique flavors. Whether you’re a beginner in pour over or a seasoned coffee connoisseur chasing ultimate flavor, the Las Nieves Estate Geisha from Oaxaca State is well worth savoring and treasuring.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
