El Salvador Bourbon Natural

COUNTRY: El Salvador
Coffee production has fueled the El Salvador economy for more than a century. Unfortunately, since 2002, only 3.5% of the nation’s gross national product is from coffee production. Thankfully, coffee is once again making a comeback in El Salvador as new techniques and processes are being introduced by a new generation of coffee producers. Currently, over 90% of coffee grown in El Salvador is from shade coffee plantations.

REGION: Apaneca
The region around the town of Apaneca is an ideal microclimate for coffee cultivation. It is located in the Apaneca Illamatepec mountain range. With its altitude, prime weather and fertile volcanic soil, this is one of the most prestigious areas of coffee cultivation in El Salvador, and likely where coffee was first introduced to the nation.

FARM: Las Isabellas 
Situated on the southern face of El Salvador’s majestic mountain range, Las Isabellas has maintained over 175 acres of natural forest. With natural spring water and waterfalls, it is an ode to Central American rainforests. The estate is also home to Taquendama beneficio, where the coffee can washed and dried on patios in the sun. This means that not only is the coffee grown on the estate, but also milled on site as well. 

PRODUCER: Jose Roberto Santamaria 
Las Isabellas is owned by Jose Roberto Santamaria and his wife Monica. They named the farm after their oldest daughter Isabella. Roberto has an energetic zest for life that is reflected in coffee that is intentional and full of identity. The family has a strong  commitment to education and attends to the local school’s water supply, as well as the salary of some of the instructors, ensuring that the local school children are equipped, and able to receive a quality education. Las Isabellas is also currently partnering with the city of Apaneca to build a potable water system in the neighboring community of Monte Sagrado. The Santamaria family is showing by action, how much they feel the farm can benefit the region.

PROCESS: Natural 
ALTITUDE: 850 - 1,200 MASL
CUPPING SCORE: 84 
CUPPING NOTES:
Flavor: Dark chocolate, Brown Sugar, Red Fruits
Acidity: Mildly citrusy
Body: Round, creamy.