Region: Santa Ana, El Salvador

Processing: Washed

Producers: Eduardo Alvarez

Altitude: 1450 M.A.S.L

Tastes Like: Milk Chocolate, Hazlenuts & Demerara Sugar

Santa Maria is a picturesque farm situated on the side of the mineral-rich slopes of the Ilamatepec volcano just outside of the region Santa Ana, based at an altitude of 1450m. Owned by Eduardo Alvarez and his family, alongside the farm Las Lomas that you may recognise, the Alvarez family operates their own washing-mill, El Borbollón. This dynamic grants them absolute quality control from tree to processing to export bag.

Harvested red bourbon cherries are immediately placed into water channels whilst low-density "floaters" are skimmed away, this process maintain lot uniformity and guarantees a higher quality yield. The clean cherries are then mechanically pulped and fermented dry overnight to dissolve the sticky mucilage layer. Finally, the washed parchment is spread evenly over traditional clay patios and/or raised drying beds. It dries slowly over 8 to 10 days. This careful temperature management preserves the bean's structural integrity and ensures its excellent flavour profile.

The Alvarez, El Borbollon mill is regarded as one of the most highly respected processing mills in the world. Their consistency is unparalleled and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have built such a long-lasting relationship with them lasting almost two decades.