Oscar Riveroll owns a finca (farm) in Veracruz where he grows his beans under a cloud forest in the mountain region of Cofre de Perote. The beans are 100% arabica. While I am a coffee lover, and not necessarily a coffee expert, I have had my share of coffee knowledge classes during my barista training. For example, your beans should not be stored in such a way that they lose their natural oils. When they do, they become bitter. I have found that the coffee I like the best, doesn’t require any sugar, or even any milk. There is nothing to cover up and hide with flavorings. The coffee here is all organic, and prepared in a plethora of different ways.
When you stop adding all the extras to your coffee, you can really let the beans shine, and slowly sip, enjoying the richness. As I did, when Oscar poured steaming milk over my espresso with such gusto that I laughed out loud from the sheer pleasure of the moment. The shop is such a wonderful place to spend a morning, and I quickly lost track of time. There are portraits done in coffee on the walls, books to borrow, and interesting people to practice Spanish conversation with.
On my next order, I tried a french press in which the beans were combined with cardamom. I was thrilled. What a wonderful combination of flavors. Side note: if you happen to be looking at the money on the counter, and thinking it’s a lot...think again. The exchange rate in Mexico is extremely favorable for the dollar. It’s approximately $25 for $500 pesos and that can go quite far. I probably spend more money on coffee than anything else.
If you ever find yourself in Guadalajara, or Veracruz for that matter...this is one place to seek out! You will know you have found it, when you see the brightly colored building on the corner with the faces of Frieda Kahlo and Diego Rivera!
Website: http://fincariveroll.com
