Proud Mary's connection to the Santa Barbara region of Honduras began all the way back in 2012 when we were introduced to a small group of producers situated around the town of Peña Blanca, close to the shores of the stunning Lake Yojoa. More than a decade later, that group of producers has grown in number, and our relationships have deepened. Manuel Vallecillo was born in Nueva Esperanza, near Santa Barbara. From a young age, he worked in coffee production and learned as much as possible. Years later, Manuel moved to the US, but in 2014 coffee called him back again, and he purchased Finca Los Primos in the mountains of Santa Barbara. The farm is planted exclusively with the Pacas variety, which is native to El Salvador but thrives in the microclimate surrounding Manuel's farm. Manuel now splits his time between Texas and El Cielito, spending the harvest season at the farm and the rest of the year in Houston, TX with his family. This coffee wows us on the cupping table every year, and this year is no different. It is complex and silky with notes of yellow plum and black tea.