Festive Single Origin

This very small lot resulted from a very lucky varietal observation inside Gloria’s own farms by her son-in-law, Luis Rodriguez. It's worth saying here that Luis is a true expert on coffee and processing. As well as being involved in growing coffee, he also works in QC and this year has headed up National Juries for Cup of Excellence.

Some years ago now, at Finca San José, while walking around the farm checking for ripeness, Luis ended up in front of a huge cluster of cherries which grabbed his attention. He realised that this, right here, was a very interesting tree. With the help of Gloria, Maria Jose and Antonio, he harvested roughly twelve kilos of cherries that they called 'Bourbon on steroids', which were then hand-processed by Antonio.

Everything about this plant phenotype fascinated him and he concluded this was something to definitely follow up on. One of the most interesting features he noticed was the amount of mucilage inside each cherry, which was just over twice as much as in other varieties found at the farm.

After a few weeks, Antonio had a sample processed and ready enough to cup. After a small cupping performed at their house, Luis fell in love with the amazing fruit character and sweetness behind this puzzling varietal.

A delightfully bright and spritzy way to celebrate the festive season, with crisp white grape and green apple leading the way. Delicate elderflower notes add a floral edge, before a dark chocolate finish wraps up this elegant and refined cup.

• Country: El Salvador
• Department: Ahuachapán
• Municipality: Apaneca
• Nearest city: El Saitillal
• Farm: San José
• Owner: Gloria Rodriguez
• Farm manager: Antonio Avelino
• Processing method: Washed
• Varietal: Elefante
• Altitude: 1,500 m.a.s.l.
• Average annual rainfall: 2,500mm
• Average temperature: 17ºC
• Type of soil: Clay loam
• Type of shade: Pepeto, inga sp, and other native trees
• Typical native fauna: Armadillo, gray fox, agouti, pocket gopher, magpie, turquoise-browed motmot

This festive season, we’re proud to support a cause that’s close to our hearts. No child should have to start their day hungry, which is why we’ve chosen to partner with Magic Breakfast, a charity dedicated to ensuring children across England and Scotland receive the breakfast they need for the day ahead.

With every purchase you make, we’re donating 50p for a 220g pack and £2 for a 1kg pack, you're helping provide a life-changing meal to a child in need, offering them the best possible start to their day. Together, we can make a real difference for children who wake up hungry and rely on this essential support, both during the festive season and beyond.

Thank you for joining us in spreading hope and kindness this festive season. For more information about the charity, please visit magicbreakfast.com.

Tasting notes: White grape, green apple, elderflower.

Cup of Excellence Cupping Scores

• Clean cup: (1–8): 7
• Sweetness: (1–8): 6.5
• Acidity: (1–8): 7
• Mouthfeel: (1–8): 6
• Flavour: (1–8): 7
• Aftertaste: (1–8): 6
• Balance: (1–8): 6
• Overall: (1–8): 7
• Correction: (+36): +36
• Total: (max. 100): 88.5

Roast Information
Medium: push this through the gap and up to the edge of second, but keep it light enough to show the coffees beautiful complexity.