Nicaragua Finca Oconor
Cafetos de Segovia
Katelinne H.
Friday, November 22, 2024
— Updated March 11, 2025
Nicaragua Finca Oconor
Every month, Fresh Roasted Coffee brings you a carefully selected coffee that tells a story—one of passion, craftsmanship, and extraordinary flavor. This April, we’re excited to introduce Nicaragua Finca Oconor, a stunning natural-processed coffee that embodies the rich heritage and dedication of the Albir family in Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua.
Grower: Finca Oconor
Region: Nueva Segovia
Cultivar: Obata, Red Catuai
Altitude: 1450 masl
Process: Natural
Drying: Dried on patios for 7-10 days
Roast Level: Medium
Roast Body: Mild
Cupping Notes: Raisinets, Wild berry, Cardamom
Rooted in Resilience: A Triumphant Return
Finca Oconor is a 67-hectare farm owned by Isacia Javier Albir, a third-generation coffee farmer whose commitment to quality is evident in every bean. The road to success hasn’t been easy for Isacia or other coffee growers in this region, making their achievements even more remarkable. Producers in Nicaragua have endured years of conflict, poverty, disease, and climate-related setbacks—yet their perseverance has yielded many beloved, award-winning coffees.
In 1972, Nueva Segovia was devastated by a massive earthquake that claimed a significant portion of the population. Many survivors faced extreme poverty and homelessness. Unable to adequately support its people through this tragedy, the government fell into turmoil, leading to civil war and a violent revolution. As conflict escalated, many families fled, leaving behind their farms and livelihoods. The fighting finally ended in the early 1990s, allowing people to return to the region and rebuild their lives.
Among those returning to Nueva Segovia was the Albir family, who had grown coffee in the region before the conflict. Much of their land had been seized by the government or sold off, but a few farms remained—some of which are now proudly owned by Isacia Javier Albir and his family. Under Isacia’s leadership, Finca Oconor has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem, producing some of the most pristine coffee the world has ever seen.
From Battlegrounds To Biodiversity
Located on the border of Honduras, Finca Oconor sits on a steep mountainside, reaching an elevation of 1,450 meters above sea level. Cool temperatures and ample shade from a diverse array of indigenous trees allow for slow cherry maturation, enhancing the health of the coffee plants and the complexity of the coffee.
One of Finca Oconor’s most remarkable aspects is its dedication to environmental sustainability. The farm’s biodiversity efforts play a crucial role in preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Nueva Segovia region. Isacia has even set aside 10.9 hectares for conservation, creating a protected habitat for native flora and fauna while fostering the balanced environment that benefits both wildlife and his prized coffee plants.
Biodiversity is essential to Nicaragua’s coffee farms, enhancing soil fertility, aiding in pest control, and ensuring long-term resilience against climate change. By preserving forests and planting shade trees, Finca Oconor helps prevent soil erosion and maintains a stable microclimate that promotes slow, even coffee cherry ripening. These shaded environments also provide vital habitats for pollinators and birds, which play a key role in sustaining the coffee ecosystem's natural health.
This conservation-first approach isn’t just beneficial for nature—it also elevates coffee quality. Slow cherry maturation under shade trees enhances sugar development in the beans, resulting in a more complex, flavorful cup. By integrating sustainable farming techniques, Finca Oconor ensures that future generations of coffee farmers can continue producing high-quality beans while preserving the rich landscapes of northern Nicaragua.
The Cafetos de Segovia Connection
Once the cherries turn red, Isacia and the 180 local workers he employs during harvest season carefully hand-pick them from the steep mountainous slopes, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are selected. The harvested cherries are then transported back to the farm for washing.
Upon arrival, the cherries are floated in upcycled water to remove any defective fruits. The coffee is then laid out to dry—skin, pulp, and all—a process that can take weeks and is key to developing the fruity cupping notes found in the final brew. Once fully dried and ready for transport, the coffee is sent to Cafetos de Segovia, the local dry mill, for final processing, cupping, and sale.
Cafetos de Segovia is owned and operated by Ana and Martha Albir, cousins of Isacia. Ana fondly remembers the vibrant coffee trees from her childhood, though her family, like many others, had to flee the area during the war. In 2007, they took over their father’s farm and continued the “family business” of coffee production. By 2016, their coffee mill was not only processing and exporting their own coffee but also serving 11 other local farms owned by friends and family.
Today, Cafetos de Segovia is a remarkable operation, combining social responsibility, economic growth, and generational knowledge to achieve global recognition—not only for their coffee but also for their transparency and sustainability efforts. The Albir sisters are committed to producing only the highest-quality Arabica coffee and go to great lengths to attain that elusive microlot status. They achieve this through experimental processing techniques like fermentation and the honey-washed process, as well as subjecting their coffee to rigorous tests and cuppings to ensure both quality and complexity.
So Much More Than "Just Coffee"
Nicaragua Finca Oconor offers a incredibly unique and desirable flavor, boasting notes of wildberry and cardamom, but its desirability goes well beyond its exceptional taste. This coffee represents a necessary movement toward responsible coffee farming. Finca Oconor's dedication to biodiversity, sustainable processing methods, and transparent business practices sets a high standard for specialty coffee in Nicaragua and around the world.
By choosing this coffee, you’re not just indulging in an extraordinary brew—you’re supporting a legacy of quality, sustainability, and community-driven coffee farming.
How Do I Get This Coffee?
Fresh Roasted Coffee’s Roaster’s Choice program is your gateway to discovering the world’s finest coffees. April 2025’s selection is a welcome addition to these ranks. Nicaragua Finca Oconor's remarkable flavor profile is only made richer by the dedication and resilience of the family who produces it. Order a Roaster's Choice subscription before April 10th, 2025 to try it for yourself!
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC offers Roaster's Choice coffees in bagged coffee as well as classic pods. Subscribers can choose from 3-, 6- or 12- month subscription plans.
