El Salvador El Bosque

Process: Anaerobic Natural

Variety: Castillo, Bourbon.

Producer: Fernando Alfaro

Flavor note: Mango, Red fruits, Tamarind, Stone fruit, Apple, Wine, Lactic.

Altitude: 1400 - 1500 MASL

Roasted for: Filter

In the embrace of the Apaneca Illamatepec Mountain Range, where the whispering winds carry the essence of coffee blooms, a haven of flavor emerges—Caramba Cafe, tended to by the dedicated hands of producer Fernando Alfaro Castaneda. Nestled at an elevation of 1,400 to 1,500 meters above sea level in Apaneca, Ahuachapan, this enchanting farm is a testament to the marriage of art and science, where Castillo and Bourbon varieties thrive under the careful watch of Fernando.

The heartbeat of Caramba Cafe is the meticulously crafted Anaerobic Natural process, an intricate ballet that unfolds over 192 hours. Each coffee cherry, handpicked at the zenith of ripeness, embarks on a transformative journey within sealed plastic containers. Here, a secret elixir—a blend of microorganisms, fungus, and bacteria, carefully guarded by the company—becomes the alchemical touch that regulates fermentation and unlocks the latent qualities within the beans, transforming them into a symphony of flavors.

After this magical fermentation, the coffee cherries find their way to elevated African beds at El Carmen Mill, bathed in the warmth of the Salvadoran sun. The slow drying process, spanning 22-27 days and choreographed by the whims of weather, is a final act of patience and dedication. The constant movement of the beans on the African beds serves as a gentle caress, further enhancing the cup's characteristics—a testament to the craftsmanship that defines Caramba Cafe.

In the cup, Caramba Cafe reveals a canvas of sensory delights—an explosion of mango that evokes the sun-drenched orchards of Apaneca, the comforting embrace of red fruit, the tantalizing notes of tamarind, and the unwavering consistency that defines excellence. As the flavors unfold, one can detect the subtle nuances of stone fruit, the crispness of apple, and the sophisticated undertones of wine. The experience concludes with a lactic aftertaste, a lingering echo of the artistry that defines each batch.

Fernando Alfaro Castaneda's passion for coffee is not just a profession; it's a journey into the heart of El Salvador's terroir. Caramba Cafe is more than a farm; it's a narrative of meticulous care, a secret touch of magic, and a celebration of the unique flavors that thrive in the Apaneca Illamatepec Mountain Range. With every sip, one becomes a part of this narrative—a narrative that is Caramba Cafe.