We’ve competed in our regional Golden Bean roasting competition for years. Last fall, you may remember, we earned our first gold medal, and that gained us entry to the Golden Bean World Series. Tim went to Antigua, Guatemala in February for our first ever World Series, and he brought his A Game. He entered an amazing coffee that we called Gâteau àla Cannelle because it reminds us of cinnamon cake.
Gâteau àla Cannelle is a honey double anaerobic co-fermentation process. First, the farmers place the coffee cherries into sealed fermentation tanks for 50 hours. Then they depulp the coffee and ferment again with a blend of spices for another 50 hours. While it ferments, CO2 pressure builds up and the sugars and spice flavors are forced into the coffee bean. Finally, they dry the beans just like the washed process.
Day 1
After landing in Guatemala City, Tim went on the winding mountain roads to Antigua. The reception at Tim’s hotel was lovely with complementary drinks and a warm welcome. It was at dinner that night when Tim got to connect with some of the best roasters in the world. They talked about their craft, finding common ground. Through these conversations with the top coffee roasters, Tim felt like he had finally gone from fan boy to an equal.
Day 2
On day 2, the competition began. At Golden Bean, the competitors are also the judges. They judge the coffees blind (we’re good at this part!) based on 4 categories: sweetness, acidity, body, and taste balance. All 60 people randomly selected a partner and worked in pairs to judge the coffees. Tim partnered with his new friend, Rahim from Compass Coffee Roasters in Vancouver, WA, and they got to work trying the coffees.
The first division was the milk category (lattes). While judging this division, everyone learned that Guatemalan milk is a little different than they are used to. It’s pasteurized differently, and many of the judges found the flavor of the milk tended to overpower the flavor of the coffee, making judging more complicated. Following the milk division, they began judging pour overs.
Day 3
The next day involved more judging, finishing the pour over category and starting espresso. Tim paired up with Brian from Lamppost Coffee of Austin, Texas. Following the judging, they held the awards ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the Catedrál de San José. It began with a fancy dinner of Guatemalan foods. Tim enjoyed the camaraderie and support shared among the roasters. And then the awards began. We are so proud to say that Gâteau àla Cannelle earned a bronze in espresso at the Golden Bean World Series 2025! Tim remembers being stunned to hear his name called, and the rest of the night was a blur. We are so proud of Tim for winning a freaking bronze in espresso!
Day 4
The last day of the trip was Tim’s birthday, which he spent drinking coffee in cafes with his new friends.
We’re so pleased with how Gâteau àla Cannelle performed. This coffee is one of the top 15 espressos in the world. Are you ready to give it a try? We only have a limited supply, so pick up Gâteau àla Cannelle today!