About This Coffee
The Montevideo Estate has been run by almost five generations of the Guirola family. The estate extends about 380 acres of coffee growing land, and is located right on the San Salvador volcano at 1300-1700 meters above sea level. In an aim to embrace independence for the facility, they've built water tanks for the neighboring families and provide ongoing work for it's neighbors and community members. As a part of this initiative, the family has donated land to build schools neighboring the farm for 800 students K-11. There is also a clinic and daycare center. The farm has also aided in the preservation and habitat of local fauna and flora.
Growing Coffee In El Salvador
In 1975 El Salvador was, remarkably for its size, one of the largest coffee producers in the world, exporting 3.8 million bags. Today, a good year is 600,000 bags. Interestingly 86% of all coffee producers are responsible for only 20% of the country’s production, having 7 hectares or less. This means, that 80% of coffee production is controlled by only 14% of producers. And yet, because peace in El Salvador and the opening of coffee farming to smallholders coincided with the emergence of the specialty coffee sector in consuming countries and the inevitable rise of new-thinking generations within old families, there is a pervasive focus on quality regardless of farm size.
History of El Salvador Coffee
Coffee was first introduced to El Salvador from the Caribbean as a garden crop in the mid-18th century but did not gain a commercial production foothold until 1850’s because indigo, easier to grow and more profitable, was king. Coffee was first exported—695 bags—in 1856 and the government began to encourage coffee farming. Exponential growth coincided with the development of synthetic indigo near the end of the century. At one time, El Salvador was one of the largest producers of commercial coffees. Today, with a focus on quality over quantity, 70% of coffee from El Salvador sells for a premium above commodity prices.
Country: El Salvador
Region: San Salvador Volcano
Farm: Finca Montevideo
Elevation: 1300-1700 MASL
Variety: Bourbon, Typica
Processing: Washed
Tasting notes: Medium bodied, sweet, balanced, & chocolatey with caramel, orange, cherry, & macadamia nut.