El Salvador Cerro Las Ranas

Grown in the Apenaca and Ateno mountain ranges at an altitude between 1450 and 1780 meters in Santa Ana, El Salvador. San Francisco Estate is owned and operated by JASAL, the home of Jose Antonio Salaverria and Aida Batalle. The finca Cerro Las Ranas, Hill of Frogs, takes its name from a lagoon that is populated by thousands of frogs. Cerro is the pride and joy of Don Jose Antonio and he has restored the farm to pristine shape, since the devastating Santa Ana Volcano eruption in October, 2005. Ripe (really ripe) red cherry is picked and delivered to Las Cruces Mill where it undergoes a process pioneered by JASAL that is now becoming more and more common throughout Central America. The cherry is processed normally but the coffee is then immediately sent to the clay drying patios still covered in the sticky mucilage where it is laid out and constantly raked and turned to ensure even drying. This process (called Pulped Natural or Honey) imparts a subtle sweetness and fruit note, lending an atypical complexity to the cup.

It has strikingly well balanced flavor with fruit highlights that dance on the tongue.

Preferred roast is light to moderate dark. As always listen for the second crack to yield the best from this lot. Also keep in mind that time is on your side, as many Bourbon coffees tend to improve with age.

To learn more its, HERE

Costa Rica G'Bito Los Lobos Honey

A 100 year old, family-owned farm on the Rio Jorco in Asseri, Tarrazu, Finca Los Lobos has prepared a special selection this year in the “honey” style. “Honey” style aka “pulped natural” coffees, are stripped of their skin but then left to sun dry with all or part of the sticky, fruity mucilage intact, rather than having it fermented away as with the typical washed process. This creates a unique profile and imparts a high degree of complexity to the cup, typically with heavier body and ripe fruit notes.

The aroma is deep, with hints of nuts, toffee and honey-citrus. Medium-deep body which is smooth and creamy. Mellow acidity, pleasantly light and well balanced. The finish is well rounded with smooth creaminess lasting for several minutes.

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