El Salvador (finca El Carmen)

This is a beautifully smooth coffee with a full body – especially when drank as a straight espresso, giving a hint of lemon zest and honey. The profile is surprisingly changed when milk is added, but still has a citrusy feel – with notes lemon chocolate truffles! There is also a hint of orange biscuit, and the cup finishes with a winey acidity. The contrast between drinking this coffee black and having it white is quite something then, so it is a coffee perfect for those who want a different taste according to the time of day! The acidity is bold on espresso and long black, with the lemon coming to the fore – but when a touch of steamed milk is added (cappuccino for example), the finish is one of nutty orange biscuit and chocolate and treacle like undertones.

El Carmen coffee comes from one of the most important and significant estates of the JASAL group that sits amongst the Apaneca Ilamatepec volcanic mountain range, and specifically the Chinchontepec Volcano. Running through the Santa Ana and Sonsonate departments in the West, this is where many of the Cup of Excellence producing farms in the country are located.

Roaster tip: Try this one as an Oat flat white, giving a rich, nutty lemon truffle feel to the cup!

Importer: Mercanta

Region: Chinchontepec Volcano 

SCA: 84

Altitude: 1400-1600 masl

Tasting notes: Crisp Lemon and Honey as a straight espresso – Lemon Chocolate Truffles and hint of Orange Biscuit when paired with milk – wine-like acidity to finish

Body: Full, Smooth

Varietals: Red Bourbon

Process: Fully Washed

Roast: Medium

Farm:

El Carmen is a diminutive of the farm name, and is a selection from the most productive Red Bourbon trees on the farm. They were chosen for this project due to the homogeneity of the ripeness of the cherries, allowing for precise control and processing. The importance of selective picking and attention to detail have very much become a hallmark of the culture and success of the farm, which was inherited by current owners Jose Antonio Jr and Antonio Salaverria in 2011.