Origin: El Salvador
Region: Apaneca-Ilamatepec Mountain Range
Town: Ahuachapan, Concepcion de Ataco
Estate: Finca Vista Hermosa
Owner: José Enrique Gutierrez
Varieties: Caturra
Grade: SHG
Cetification: RFA
Processing: Anaerobic Natural
Harvest: Oct-Mar
Altitude: 1100 masl
Cupping Score: 86
Tasting Notes: Dark Chocolate, Lemon, Dried Fruit & Pineapple
Moisture Content: 9.1%
Don’t be fooled by El Salvador’s small size. It was once the 4th largest coffee producer worldwide and continues to produce high quality lots. The country is known for its great cupping varieties, such as Bourbon and Pacamara. In fact, two beloved, frequently high-scoring varieties—Pacas and Pacamara— originated in El Salvador.
Unlike other countries, where specialty coffee production has required a great deal of additional investment and training, El Salvador already has a broad and skilled specialty coffee workforce. Farming traditions run deep, and many Salvadorian farmers are extremely passionate about coffee production and continuously strive to improve their crop. El Salvador has optimal conditions for coffee processing. The prolonged dry season typically occurs during the harvest season, making it easier to sun dry coffee.
Though coffee output in the country has been declining for over two decades – exacerbated by the CLR crisis – the approach to coffee production has changed from volume- to quality-driven. A new generation of coffee producers has sprouted around the country with a new vision and approach to production. Many of this generation are experimenting with processing and varietals.
José Gutierrez is a third-generation coffee producer whose passion for coffee cultivation brought him back to coffee nearly 25 years after his family stopped producing coffee in the 1980s. In 2005, José, inspired by the growing interest in specialty coffee and higher quality, returned to coffee production with great excitement.
Today, José continues to focus on producing high-quality coffee on his farm in the Apaneca-Illamatepec mountain range. Fertile clay soils and environment-focused agriculture support José’s passion for specialty coffee.
Cultivation
Coffee at Finca Vista Hermosa is grown in shade provided by native tree species. Shade trees also double as habitats for native species of birds and other local fauna. The 6-month dry season helps trees concentrate sugars in their cherry.
José’ is dedicated to preserving the environment by using sustainable farming practices. The farm uses a holistic ecological system that combines a knowledge of microbiology with plant nutrition. José’s practices combine scientific know-how with age-old farming wisdom to nurture and protect his coffee from diseases and pests.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
Pickers selectively handpick ripe cherry. José has developed long-lasting relationships with his pickers, many of whom return year after year to harvest cherry at Finca Vista Hermosa. These relationships help José hire and train skilled pickers who pick ripe cherry more efficiently.
Once harvested, cherry is placed in sealed containers and left to ferment anaerobically. Then, cherry is laid on a patio to sundry for 14 to 20 days. For the first few days, drying cherry is moved every 20 to 30 minutes. Throughout the entire drying process, cherry is raked frequently to ensure even drying. Dried cherry is rested and then transported to Beneficio El Carmen, a dry mill in Concepcion de Ataco, Ahuachapan. In total, coffee rests 60 to 150 days between the time it finishes drying and export.
Small Batch Roasting: Roast For You Service – Terms & Conditions
Introduction
Small Batch Roasting now offers a service that offers personalised coffee roasting for customers who want to enjoy freshly roasted coffee tailored to their preferences. This article will discuss the Roast For You Service, its terms and conditions, and provide essential information for customers to make informed decisions when ordering.
Roast For You Service
When you choose to have your coffee roasted for you, we will roast the exact amount ordered and roast this for you to the selected roast profile you have chosen. Our small batch roasting process ensures that your coffee is roasted with care and precision, resulting in a high-quality, freshly roasted product.
Minimum Green Weight Requirement
Please be advised that the minimum green weight for roasting any one single origin is 6kg. Any orders placed with less than 6kg of each origin will be placed on hold and may cause delays in being dispatched. We will contact you to discuss how you wish to proceed in this case.
Weight Loss During Roasting
Please be mindful of the weight loss through moisture loss during roasting, which is typically between 12-20% depending on the level of roast. The darker the roast, the higher the moisture loss. This weight loss should be taken into account when ordering your coffee to ensure you receive the desired amount of roasted coffee.
Order Processing Time
Orders for roasted coffees will naturally take a little longer to process. Please allow a minimum of 3 days for your order to arrive from the point of order. If we are able to drop your order in the roasting schedule sooner, we will always endeavor to do so.
Mixed Orders
Mixed orders which include green and roasted coffees will be dispatched together when the roasted coffees are ready. We are unable to split these orders, so please consider the slightly longer delivery times when ordering mixed coffees.
Packaging
Your coffee will be bulk packed into a 6kg bulk bag with an identifying label on only. This packaging ensures that your coffee remains fresh and protected during transit.
Roast Profile and Liability
We will roast to your desired roast profile, but are unable to take any liability for any taste discrepancies that may arise from this. We are unable to take back any coffees once they have been roasted to your desired roast profile.
Yield Estimate
Typically, a medium roast coffee at 6kg green will yield 5.1kg of freshly roasted coffee. This estimate should be taken into account when ordering your coffee to ensure you receive the desired amount of roasted coffee.
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