El Salvador – Finca La Esmerelda – Anacafe 14, Icatu – Natural

Farmer: Murgas Family

Oscar Roberto Murgas has been immersed in the world of coffee since his youth. Inspired by the process and beauty of coffee farming, he developed a passion that led to a dream. This is how, in 2007, Oscar and his family came to the decision to acquire a small property nestled in the Apaneca- Ilamatepec mountain range, just a short drive from the beautiful town of Ataco.

Located in an ideal climate and altitude, Finca La Esmeralda provides optimal conditions for growing specialty coffee. At heights between 1,300 and 1,400 metres above sea level, they cultivate a variety of beans, including Anacafé 14, Icatú, Costa Rica 95, Ethiopian 41, and Sampacho. With loamy clay soil, average temperatures around 20°C, and ample rainfall, the farm’s coffee benefits from the unique environmental qualities of this region. Coffee at Finca La Esmeralda is cultivated under 60% natural shade, primarily provided by native and exotic trees, especially nitrogen-fixing Inga species. The farm is rich with local flora, including oak, mezcal, mountain zapote, and cypress, creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages the growth of diverse epiphytic plants.

Only the ripest, wine-coloured coffee cherries are handpicked at Finca La Esmeralda. On the same day, the cherries are laid out on African beds, beginning the drying process. This drying process, which takes 18-25 days, requires consistent movement to enhance the beans’ fruity aromas and flavours unique to this region.

Tasting Notes: A smooth and full bodied coffee with ripe grape, chocolate, juicy stone fruit and toffee flavours.