Tectonic Coffee has stepped into new territory this season — and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Our first-ever release from Mexico comes from the breathtaking Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, and mate… what a debut. This coffee is a celebration of families who farm just a few acres each, tucked deep into the mountains of San Pedro Ayacaxtepec.
Travel along winding mountain roads, past villages perched on ridgelines, until the forest begins to shift — coffee trees interwoven with bananas, corn, beans, and fruit trees. This region, part of the Sierra Madre del Norte, is a patchwork of micro-farms cultivated through generations of local knowledge. The result: a cup that feels both vibrant and grounded, shaped by the land and the people who depend on it.
A Community of Smallholder Farmers
The farmers of San Pedro Ayacaxtepec cultivate Typica, Bourbon, and Mundo Novo varieties across clay-mineral soils at 1000–1600 masl. Most farms here are tiny — just a few acres each — and every step is hands-on. During harvest, cherries are picked only at peak ripeness, hand-sorted, floated to remove defects, then depulped and fermented with the kind of care that only small-scale producers can give.
Craftsmanship in Every Step
After fermentation, parchment is washed clean and dried slowly in the sun on patios or raised beds until it hits that perfect 11% moisture. This methodical approach gives the coffee its signature clarity and expressive profile: orange zest brightness, papaya sweetness, and a grounding caramel and chocolate finish.
Traceability That Matters
Once dried, producers work with Garra de Jaguar, a local group that coordinates transport, dry milling, cupping, and export selection. Their involvement ensures traceability and quality control — crucial for helping smallholders earn stronger, fairer prices for their work.
A Debut Worth Celebrating
As our first-ever Mexican offering, this release stands out not just for its flavor, but for the people and practices behind it. It’s a chance to share the character of Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte — bright, honest, and deeply rooted in community.
Taste the result of generations of craft and care. Oaxaca has officially arrived at Tectonic.