Nicaragua Fincas Mierisch JavaNica

Nicaragua Fincas Mierisch — Red Pacamara Peaberry 

Tasting Notes: Plum, black cherry and apricot. 
Origin: Lipolulo, Nicaragua
Producer: Fincas Mierisch
Farm: San Jose 
Elevation: 1,250–1,400 MASL
Process: Natural 
Varietal: JavaNica 

Zoka Cupping Score: 88

Grown on the 46-hectare San Jose farm in Jinotega near Lipilulo, this JavaNica from Fincas Mierisch is a rare and storied varietal with remarkable cup character.

San Jose was purchased in 2003 and revived from abandoned land into a high-elevation farm (1,250–1,400 masl) with nutrient-rich soils and six distinct plots. This lot comes from the plot named Cielo — Spanish for “Heaven.”

The JavaNica varietal itself carries a unique lineage. Originally Ethiopian heirloom stock that traveled to the island of Java, it eventually made its way to Nicaragua through an unexpected roadside seed purchase. Since then, it has earned multiple Cup of Excellence placements in Nicaragua and become one of the Mierisch family’s most distinctive offerings.

This lot was meticulously processed as a full Natural. Only deep red, perfectly ripe cherries were selected, then dried slowly for 30 days — first under full sun, then on raised beds under shade — allowing sugars to intensify and flavors to fully develop. Extended resting before milling helps create balance and clarity in the cup.

Roasted light to preserve its expressive character, this coffee delivers layered fruit sweetness, elegant structure, and the refined complexity that high-altitude naturals can achieve at their best. We tasted plum, black cherry and apricot.  

A rare varietal, carefully grown and patiently crafted — a beautiful expression of Nicaragua.

Photos: A JavaNica coffee plant being harvested at Fincas Mierisch.  JavaNica drying in the Natural process on raised beds at Fincas Mierisch processing facility.