Honduras: Katia Duke - Finca San Isidro Washed

A Legacy of Coffee and Family in Honduras

Katia Duke’s Washed Catuai from Finca San Isidro is more than just a delicious cup—it’s the result of a deep-rooted family tradition and a journey of resilience.

Just a short drive from the ancient town of Ruinas de Copán, Finca San Isidro has been in Katia’s family for generations, with coffee as a way of life. But it wasn’t until 2012, after the devastating la roya epidemic, that Katia truly began to shape her own future in the coffee world, bringing new life to the land she loves.

Katia’s Passion for Perfect Coffee

Katia’s path to coffee excellence has been fueled by her passion and a relentless pursuit of quality. After becoming a certified barista and roaster, she opened her own coffee shop, steering her family’s farm towards specialty coffee production. Katia’s expertise in the science behind coffee—from soil to climate—has allowed her to produce stunning microlots that reflect the best qualities of the Copán region.

Building a Strong Community at Finca San Isidro

Katia’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, especially in an industry dominated by men. On her first day as a producer only two people, both women, showed up to work the farm with her—everyone else refused to work for a woman. But through determination and mutual respect, she has built a strong, cohesive team at Finca San Isidro.

Today, the farm is not just a workplace but a beacon of empowerment and community growth. Katia’s commitment to education, women’s empowerment, and sustainability continues to make a lasting impact on her community.

About Katia's Washed Catuai

This lot of Washed Catuai from Finca San Isidro tells the story of Katia’s vision and hard work. Handpicked cherries are carefully processed, with dry fermentation in ceramic-lined tanks and washed with fresh spring water to ensure a vibrant, clean flavor.

The Catuai variety, a blend of Mundo Novo and Caturra, has become a cornerstone of Honduran coffee, known for its high yield and resilience. Katia’s attention to detail and deep knowledge of coffee make this lot truly special. It has an elevated traditional flavor profile - a 'daily driver' with dynamic and lively cup characteristics.

We find clean dried berry notes, with a pleasantly sweet milk-chocolate body. As the cup cools, some really delightful fresh apricot and plum notes emerge.