Barista-favourite Guatemala Casi Cielo coffee is back for 20th anniversary
Starbucks Guatemala Casi Cielo coffee has been a partner and customer favorite for two decades, with elegant floral aromatics and notes of citrus and dark cocoa.
Guatemala’s Antigua region is a magical place – a lush valley high in the blue-green mountains, with mineral-rich volcanic soil and a temperate climate perfect for coffee trees.
Starbucks has been sourcing coffee from Guatemala since the company first began in 1971. And since 2004, Starbucks has offered a special seasonal coffee from the region, Guatemala Casi Cielo, with beans carefully chosen from selected lots for a smooth, balanced flavor and clean, citrusy acidity. The whole bean packaged coffee is available once again in U.S. and Canada Starbucks stores this fall and also as a brewed coffee in participating stores with Clover Vertica.
“Casi Cielo tells a story about relationships and our commitment to these very special regions of the world,” said Brittany Zeller, coffee and tea development lead at Starbucks.
And the name? Casi Cielo means “almost heaven” in Spanish, a nod to both its unrivaled quality and taste and the high elevations where it grows.
Casi Cielo was first created in collaboration with chefs from a legendary Seattle restaurant. Its smooth, full-bodied flavor, floral aroma and notes of citrus and dark cocoa make it the perfect finale to a fine meal. It is delicious both iced and hot, and shines in a variety of brewing methods – from a coffee press to a pour-over, to espresso. It pairs well with rich chocolate, artisan cheese, nuts and caramel – like a warm chocolate brownie.
“Casi Cielo is always delicious in its simplicity,” Zeller said. “I can drink it any time of day.”
Over time, passion for Casi Cielo has continued to grow, joining Christmas Blend atop the list of customer and partner seasonal favorites. It is so beloved that it even has a nickname among partners.
“We talk about it all year long, partners always want to know when ‘Casi’ is coming back,” said Zeller, who began her career at Starbucks as a barista in 2010. “Some of the best coffee tastings, and maybe some of the most creative food pairings I can remember, it's Casi Cielo always. It’s still very much in that top tier of partner favorites.”
“We talk about it all year long, partners always want to know when ‘Casi’ is coming back,” said Zeller, who began her career at Starbucks as a barista in 2010. “Some of the best coffee tastings, and maybe some of the most creative food pairings I can remember, it's Casi Cielo always. It’s still very much in that top tier of partner favorites.”
And the name? Casi Cielo means “almost heaven” in Spanish, a nod to both its unrivaled quality and taste and the high elevations where it grows.
“When I think about where Casi Cielo comes from – the Antigua Valley really is almost heaven – surrounded by three beautiful, massive volcanoes, sitting a mile above the sea on misty mountain slopes,” said Zeller. “It is a place that reminds me why coffee is so special and I hope partners and customers feel transported there when they pick up a bag or when they taste it.”
About the design
Guatemala Casi Cielo’s colorful coffee packaging captures the majesty of Antigua with artwork inspired by 19th century Japanese woodblock printing. Patterns of nature convey this coffee’s elegant floral aromatics and notes of citrus and dark cocoa. Want to see it in person? The city of Antigua, Guatemala, is also home to one of Starbucks most beautiful stores.
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