El Salvador El Cocal
Process: Anaerobic Natural
Variety: Bourbon, Pacas
Producer: Fernando Alfaro
Flavor note: Stone fruit, Pineapple, Merlot, Lactic Aftertaste, Sweet & Complex
Altitude: 1360 MASL
Roasted for: Espresso
On the mist-kissed slopes of the Apaneca Illamatepec Mountain Range, where the air is laden with the whispers of coffee blossoms, a hidden gem emerges—Caramba Cafe, stewarded by the visionary producer Fernando Alfaro Castaneda. Nestled at an elevation of 1,350 meters above sea level in Concepcion de Ataco, Ahuachapan, this coffee haven is a sanctuary where Bourbon and Pacas varieties thrive under the careful hands of Fernando.
The heartbeat of Caramba Cafe is the meticulous Anaerobic Natural process, an alchemical dance that unfolds over 192 hours. Each coffee cherry, meticulously chosen at the peak of perfection, embarks on a journey within sealed plastic containers. Here, a secret elixir—a mix of microorganisms, fungus, and bacteria—comes into play, a proprietary touch that not only regulates the fermentation process but also unlocks the latent qualities within the beans, elevating them to a symphony of flavors.
After this transformative fermentation, the coffee cherries find themselves on elevated African beds at El Carmen Mill, where they bask in the warmth of the Salvadoran sun. The slow drying process, spanning 22-27 days, is a ballet choreographed by weather conditions, accentuated by the constant movement of beans. This final touch at El Carmen Mill is another step in potentializing the cup's characteristics, a testament to the dedication and patience invested in each batch.
In the cup, Caramba Cafe unveils a sensory masterpiece—a melange of stone fruit that transports the drinker to the orchards of El Salvador, the bright burst of pineapple that evokes tropical breezes, and the nuanced sophistication of merlot, all culminating in a lactic aftertaste that lingers on the palate. The experience is not just about tasting; it's an exploration of sweetness and complexity, a journey through the layers that make Caramba Cafe a true artisanal creation.
Fernando Alfaro Castaneda's passion for coffee is not just evident in the flavors that dance on the taste buds but in the very essence of Caramba Cafe. It's a story of meticulous care, a secret touch of magic, and a celebration of the unique terroir of the Apaneca Illamatepec Mountain Range. With every sip, one becomes a part of this narrative—a narrative that unfolds in the heart of El Salvador, a narrative that is Caramba Cafe.