October 2026: Podium Gold. Alinea Coffee
Country: Guatemala
Varietals: Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai
Process: Washed
Producer: Miguel Mendoza
Elevation: 1,600 MASL
Tasting Notes: Cacao, summer melon, cranberry
Your coffee:
Miguel Mendoza is a second generation coffee producer from Huehuetenango, Guatemala, where he farms Finca El Mirador in the community of El Pajal. The farm takes its name from its location high above the surrounding landscape, offering expansive views of the neighboring communities.
Miguel has dedicated his life to producing coffee alongside his family, continuing a tradition passed down through generations. Today, he works closely with his sons, including Eber, who is becoming increasingly involved in the farm and its harvest.
Finca El Mirador produces washed coffees from varieties including Caturra, Catuai, and Bourbon, grown at approximately 1,550 to 1,620 meters above sea level. Miguel places a strong emphasis on the care and labor required throughout the harvest, from cultivating the coffee trees to processing and preparing each lot.
For Miguel and his family, coffee represents more than a crop. It is a way of life and a tradition that connects generations. His focus on quality, family involvement, and the long term sustainability of the farm continues to shape the coffees produced at El Mirador.
Your roaster:
Alinea Coffee Roasters is a New Orleans-based specialty coffee roaster founded in 2018 by Michael Matthews, a former touring drummer who discovered specialty coffee while on the road and became fascinated by its flavors, craftsmanship, and stories. What began with a small Arc 800 roaster has grown into a wholesale, retail, hospitality, and events roasting company serving New Orleans and the Gulf South.
Alinea roasts on the lighter side, aiming to highlight each coffee's natural character rather than impose a heavy roast profile, keeping terroir, variety, processing, and producer practices at the center of the cup. The company continually seeks distinctive seasonal coffees and builds meaningful relationships throughout the supply chain.
In September 2026, Michael placed first at the U.S. Coffee Roasting Championship South/Central Qualifier in Houston, earning a spot at the U.S. Roasters Championship in Hawaii.
Alongside roasting, Alinea runs a specialty espresso cart and event catering service for weddings, corporate events, and brand activations. At its core, Alinea exists to explore what coffee can be, connecting the people who produce it with the people who drink it.
