The Mierisch Family: A Legacy of Specialty Coffee Since the 1800s

We’ve proudly partnered with the Mierisch family since 2007, but their remarkable coffee journey began in the late 1800s. The story starts with Bruno Mierisch Boettiger, a German geologist who was granted land in the high mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, by the Nicaraguan government as compensation for his work on the National Railroad. Rather than returning to Germany, Bruno embraced the emerging coffee revolution in Nicaragua.

From Lemons to Legacy: The Birth of Las Lajas

Bruno’s farm, Las Lajas, originally cultivated lemons. But in 1908, he planted his first coffee tree—marking the beginning of a coffee legacy that now spans generations. Today, Fincas Mierisch operates 9 coffee farms in Nicaragua and 3 in Honduras, managed by the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations of the Mierisch family.

Transition to Specialty Coffee

In the early 1990s, Dr. Erwin R. Mierisch (Bruno’s grandson), his wife Maria Ligia McEwan de Mierisch, and their children Erwin Jr., Eleane, and Steve transitioned the family business from commercial to specialty coffee production. Dr. Mierisch continues to oversee all agronomical decisions, while Eleane Mierisch serves as General Director. The 5th generation, Erwin III (Wingo), is deeply involved in quality control and client relations.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Impact

The Mierisch family is internationally recognized for:

• Experimental coffee processing
• Varietal innovation
• Exceptional coffee quality

During harvest, they employ over 3,000 staff, paying 30% above minimum wage. They also provide:

Free food and housing

• On-site daycare and healthcare
• Free education for skill development
• Their commitment to sustainable farming includes minimal chemical use and responsible land management to reduce environmental impact.

Farm Locations in Nicaragua and Honduras

• Nicaragua: 6 farms in Matagalpa, 3 in Jinotega
  Honduras: 3 farms near Rio Blanco, in the Siguatepeque municipality, Comayagua department

Since 2007, we’ve sourced coffee from 9 different Mierisch farms, with 4 key farms forming the backbone of our long-term relationship. The Mierisch family has been more than just partners - they were instrumental in helping us import our first full container of coffee into the UK.

Finca Limoncillo: A Landmark of Specialty Coffee and Sustainability in Matagalpa

Our relationship with Finca Limoncillo began in 2007, and it’s been a cornerstone of our coffee journey ever since. While our connection started as part of a buying group, it quickly evolved into a long-term partnership built on trust, quality, and shared values. From the very first cupping, we knew this was a coffee we had to have.

A Farm with History and Scale

Located in Yasica Norte, in the Matagalpa region of Nicaragua, Finca Limoncillo spans an impressive 171 hectares, with 109 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation. The remaining land is used for raising cattle and horses, and is also preserved as natural woodland. The farm sits at an average elevation of 1,200 to 1,450 meters above sea level, offering ideal conditions for growing high-quality specialty coffee.

The name Limoncillo comes from a small lemon tree variety that once grew on the land when it was acquired by the Mierisch family in the early 20th century. Today, the farm is known for its nine waterfalls, lush biodiversity, and breathtaking views.

A Turning Point in Our Coffee Journey

In the early days, we relied on Nicaraguan importers to bring Limoncillo coffee into the UK. But when they stopped importing it (for reasons unrelated to quality), we made a bold decision: to fund a 12-month supply ourselves. It was a leap of faith that paid off, and we’ve been sourcing from Limoncillo ever since.

Eleane Mierisch and the Art of Processing

Much of Limoncillo’s success is thanks to Eleane Mierisch, who oversaw the farm’s coffee processing. Known for her precision and innovation, Eleane played a pivotal role in elevating the quality of the coffee produced here. Her legacy continues to shape the farm’s operations and inspire those who work there.

Social Impact and Sustainability

Finca Limoncillo is more than just a coffee farm—it’s a community hub and a model for sustainable agriculture. Over 60 families live on the farm year-round, supported by a wide range of social programs:

• 30% above minimum wage for all staff
• Free housing, electricity, and running water
• Free food provided daily by on-site kitchen staff (serving over 1,000 tortillas a day)
• Free daycare and healthcare facilities
• On-site schools and teachers who also teach skills like pottery and weaving
• Teachers are paid twice the city wage to ensure quality education

The Mierisch family also practices minimal chemical use and careful land management, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Finca Limoncillo is a shining example of what happens when heritage, innovation, and compassion come together. We’re proud to continue this journey with the Mierisch family and to share the fruits of their labour with coffee lovers around the world.

Farm Information

• Community: Yasica Sur
• Department: Matagalpa
• Farm Manager: Fausto Martinez
• Coffee Area: 119 hectares
• Elevation: 850-1110meters
• Harvest Months: October-February
• Diurnal Temp. Cycle: Avg High 25C, Low 17C
• Coffee Varieties: Javanica, Red and Yellow Pacamara, Ethiosar, Red Catuai, Red Bourbon
• Protected Rainforest: 54 hectares
  

Finca San Jose: A Hidden Gem in the Mountains of Jinotega

Finca San Jose became part of the Mierisch family’s coffee legacy in November 2003. At the time of acquisition, the farm was completely abandoned and extremely difficult to access. Nestled high in the mountain range bordering Jinotega, it wraps around the skirts of Lake Apanás, sitting at elevations between 1,300 and 1,400 meters above sea level.

From the summit of San Jose, you can even spot another Mierisch favourite—Finca La Escondida—in the distance.

A Remote Beauty Worth the Journey

San Jose is a breathtakingly beautiful farm, offering panoramic views that make the off-road trek up the mountain well worth it (even if we’ve gotten stuck twice on the way!). Dr. Mierisch once shared his dream of building a small retirement home on the farm, saying:

“Overlooking the coffee plants and Lake Apanás in the background sounds like a dream come true.”

Discovery Through Los Favoritos

We first encountered Finca San Jose coffee through the Los Favoritos auction, which was created by the Mierisch family during a year when the Nicaraguan Cup of Excellence didn’t take place. To fill the gap, they launched their own competition, offering auction lots from their nine farms, showcasing different plots, varieties, processing methods, and picking days—a true celebration of specialty coffee.

San Jose stood out as our favourite lot from the entire auction. We won it, and immediately began discussions with the family to secure more coffee the following year. We’ve been buying from Finca San Jose every year since.

Farm Information

• Community: Lipululo
• Department: Jinotega
• Farm Manager: Jorge Luis Mendez
• Coffee Area: 46 hectares
• Elevation: 1250-1400 meters
• Harvest Months: December-March
• Diurnal Temp. Cycle: Avg High 21C, Low 15C
• Coffee Varieties: Javanica, Yellow Pacamara, Gesha, Red Catuai, Caturra, Yellow Pacas
• Protected Rainforest: 3 hectares
• Awards: Cup of Excellence 2012 (23rd Place)

Finca La Escondida: A Hidden Coffee Haven in the Mountains of Jinotega

Finca La Escondida is located near Lake Apanás, close to the city of Jinotega, the capital of the Jinotega department in north-central Nicaragua. The name Escondida translates directly from Spanish to English as “hidden” - a fitting description, as the farm is tucked away behind dense forest and trees, blending seamlessly into the mountainside landscape.

A Thoughtfully Designed Coffee Farm

The first coffee trees at Finca La Escondida were planted in 2006. Unlike older farms, this one was developed from scratch, allowing the Mierisch family to plan its layout with precision. They carefully identified individual micro-environments across the farm, taking into account:

• Soil quality
• Sun exposure
• Temperature variations

This strategic planning allowed them to optimise each plot for specialty coffee production, ensuring the best possible growing conditions for each variety.

Investment in Infrastructure and People

Drawing on their deep experience in the region, the Mierisch family made a significant investment in building a coffee mill on-site at La Escondida. To support the new operation, they assembled a team by combining experienced staff from neighbouring Finca San Jose with new hires, creating a strong and balanced workforce.

Finca La Escondida is a shining example of how thoughtful planning, environmental awareness, and community investment can come together to produce exceptional specialty coffee in Nicaragua.

• Community: Lipululo
• Department: Jinotega
• Farm Manager: Jose Elias Contreras
• Coffee Area: 70 hectares
• Elevation: 975-1230meters
• Harvest Months: December-March
• Diurnal Temp. Cycle: Avg High 25C, Low 21C
• Coffee Varieties: Laurina, Red Catuai, Javanica, Yellow Pacamara.

Finca Las Delicias: Honouring the Legacy of Eleane Mierisch in Jinotega

We began sourcing coffee from Finca Las Delicias in 2017, and it has remained a standout in our offering ever since. While our relationship with Las Delicias is newer compared to other Mierisch family farms, the quality and character of its Nicaraguan specialty coffee have made it a firm favourite year after year.

Location and Elevation

Las Delicias is located in Lipululo, in the Jinotega department of Nicaragua, neighbouring Finca San José. The farm sits at an average elevation of 1,450 metres above sea level, offering ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality coffee.

A Personal Vision Realised by Eleane Mierisch

The farm was owned and operated by Eleane Mierisch, one of Nicaragua’s most respected figures in coffee processing. Though she had long worked in the family business, Las Delicias was the first farm she owned herself, acquired just a few years before her passing in 2023.

Eleane originally trained as a nurse but left her medical career to care for her mother and later joined the family’s coffee venture full-time. Her deep understanding of the land, combined with her passion for coffee and commitment to quality, made Las Delicias a reflection of her personal and professional values.

Farm Details and Sustainability

• Farm Size: 20 manzanas (approx. 13 hectares), all planted with coffee
• Coffee Varietals: Java (Longberry), among others
• Processing: Fully washed, with fermentation and drying on raised beds
• Environmental Ethos: Eleane was known for her respect for nature and her belief in sustainable farming practices

The Java varietal grown at Las Delicias is particularly prized for its delicate and sweet profile. It has even served as a mother plant for Java seedlings now cultivated in Bolivia.

Finca Las Delicias stands as a tribute to Eleane Mierisch’s legacy - a farm built on passion, precision, and care. Her impact on the coffee world continues to be felt, and we are honoured to share the fruits of her vision with coffee lovers around the globe.

• Community: Lipululo
• Department: Jinotega
• Farm Manager: Jorge Luis Mendez
• Coffee Growing Area: 13 hectares
• Elevation: 1,260-1,450 m.a.s.l.
• Harvest Months: December-March
• Diurnal Temp. Cycle: Avg High 21C, Low 15C
• Coffee Varieties: Javanica, Yellow Pacamara, Gesha, Yellow Pacas, Red Bourbon
• Awards: Cup Of Excellence 2017 (4th Place)