Many cities around the world are known for their amazing coffee like Seattle, Paris, and London. But Mexico probably wouldn,t be the first place you think of for an internationally renowned cup of coffee.  Octavio Ruiz, owner and founder of a third-wave coffee shop in Mexico City called Almanegra, is also a trained coffee sommelier. He’s a native of the city and he loves it. When asked a few questions about Mexican coffee, here are his replies:

Right now, which Mexican coffee most excites you?

Over the past few years, Geisha coffees have been the trend, although the flavor profile is actually from Panama. Its 1st crop contains aromas of Jasmine and very subtle flavors and for the oncoming years, the varietal shows much promise.

Produced back in the 1980s, Oro Azteca has recently been featured in variety blends with positive results—even making it onto the Cup of Excellence coffe competition’s finalists’ list. Pluma Hidalgo is an all-time favorite. First cultivated in Mexico and introduced to Pluma, it’s a Typica progeny.  

Best place to buy whole-bean Mexican coffee? Why?

Any of the renowned specialty coffee shops or their roasters—the sources of their beans.

One thing that most folks don’t know, but should know about Mexican coffee?

Most of the specialty shops’ coffee was actually intended for exportation.

The best cup of coffee and piece of sweet bread in the city?

Almanegra

3 Most interesting coffee projects going right now in Mexico City and why?

SAGARPA’s Café de Mexico. It’s an establishment Mexico’s agricultural ministry runs in an effort to promote Mexican coffee all over the world.