Artisan Roast has been one of Edinburgh’s best specialty roasters for over fifteen years, and this Guatemalan single-origin is the kind of coffee that explains why the category exists.
The Bosques de San Francisco comes from the Dalton family farm in Antigua, at around 1,600 metres above sea level. The washed process strips back any fruit-forward ferment character and lets the terroir speak directly - you get chocolate and dark fruit, roasted almond, a dense caramel sweetness, and a long creamy finish that holds as the cup cools. It cups well as filter but handles espresso without bitterness, which is a harder trick than it sounds at this altitude.
The provenance is worth noting. The Dalton family have been farming in Antigua since the 19th century, originally on the historic Filadelfia estate. Bosques de San Francisco is a newer plot, farmed with the same attention and sold through direct relationships with roasters who actually pay for quality. At 12.50 for 250g, you’re not paying for a premium-tier specialty price - this is good value for the level.
Artisan Roast ships across the UK with quick turnaround from their Edinburgh base. If you’re grinding filter at home and haven’t tried their work, this is a solid entry point.