When we talk about quality coffee, we’re never talking about flavor alone. We’re talking about people, place, and the long arc of decisions that shape a farm over decades.
This season, our coffee comes from La Bastilla Coffee Estates in Nicaragua—a producer we’re proud to feature not only for the elegance of their coffee, but for the way they approach the craft itself.
La Bastilla’s story began in 2003 with a bold idea: rehabilitate two abandoned coffee estates in Nicaragua’s highlands and transform them into world-class specialty coffee farms—while strengthening the surrounding community along the way.
More than twenty years later, that vision is fully realized.
Operating from two estates—La Bastilla Farm in Jinotega and Santa Luz Farm in Matagalpa—the team has created something rare in specialty coffee: a fully integrated operation. From planting and harvesting to processing and export, everything happens on-site. That level of control isn’t about convenience; it’s about traceability, consistency, and honoring quality at every step.
Sitting between 1,300 and 1,500 meters above sea level, the estates benefit from rich volcanic soils and cool highland microclimates—ideal conditions for producing nuanced, expressive coffees.
What truly sets La Bastilla apart, though, is their commitment to varietal diversity. Alongside classic high-altitude cultivars like Caturra and Catuai, they grow rare and experimental genetics including SL-28, Geisha, Pink Bourbon, and World Coffee Research hybrids.
This diversity isn’t for novelty’s sake. It allows La Bastilla to explore how different varietals express themselves across microclimates and seasons—resulting in a wide spectrum of flavor profiles that give roasters remarkable depth to work with.
La Bastilla approaches processing with the same intentionality as farming. On-site, they run five distinct processing methods—each highlighting a different expression of the same terroir:
Each harvest yields roughly 350 micro-lots, and every single one is cupped, evaluated, and classified before leaving the farm. This level of care is what elevates coffee from commodity to craft.
What impresses us most about La Bastilla isn’t just what they produce—it’s what they’ve built around it.
The estate supports a primary and technical agricultural school on the property, providing education and hands-on training for local youth. Sustainable water systems and biodigesters reduce environmental impact, while stable employment supports around 50 permanent staff, with hundreds more during harvest.
There’s even an eco-lodge on the estate, where tourism helps fund education and sustainability initiatives. It’s proof that coffee can be both exceptional and responsible—when it’s done with intention.
La Bastilla is led by Ricardo Herrera (CEO) and Wilmer Pineda (COO), whose combined expertise spans agronomy, quality control, and global sourcing. Alongside their team of farm managers and agronomists, they’ve earned a reputation among specialty roasters for transparency, innovation, and consistency.
Their work has been recognized with Rainforest Alliance certification and strong demand across North America and Europe.
When you drink coffee from La Bastilla, you’re tasting a chain of thoughtful decisions—varietals planted decades ago, fermentation methods refined season after season, and a deep respect for land and people.
The honey process coffee we’re pouring this season reflects all of that care: gentle sweetness from the retained fruit, balance shaped by high-altitude terroir, and complexity born from a producer who pays attention to the smallest details.
We source through Genuine Origin, working with producers who meet rigorous standards for quality, sustainability, and traceability. La Bastilla is exactly the kind of partner we look for—transparent, disciplined, and exceptional at what they do.
At The Roaring Bean, we don’t just buy coffee. We choose relationships. And we’re proud to share this one with you.
This season’s Nicaragua La Bastilla Honey Process coffee is now pouring.
More than a great cup, it’s a connection—to people, place, and purpose, all in one sip.
