Background:
Los Nogales
In El Salvador coffee production is undoubtedly one of the most traditional in the world. The Los Nogales Estate is one of the most beautiful coffee farms in El Salvador; it has been organic for
over 30 years. Los Nogales Estate is located at only 1000 meters from the centre of the city of Ataco at an
elevation of over 1,300 meters above sea level. The quality of the 100 % Bourbon coffee of Los Nogales is one of the top qualities of El Salvador and because the coffee is 100 % washed with Onsen Mineral Waters, the cup has a crystal clear balanced acidity and body characteristics. In total, the estate is about 46.9 Hectares.
After the devastation of civil war and unrest, El Salvador is setting about reasserting itself as a dominant force in the speciality coffee market.
This bean is a good example of that process in action.
Description:
The coffee is a Rainforest Alliance coffee, certified organic, grown on the ‘Los Nogales’ estate. The appearance of the green beans is uniform and typical of a dry-processed coffee.
This is an exceptional Central American bean with hints of tobacco or ‘herbiness’, a little nuttiness, a smooth and balanced cup. Beautiful buttery mouthfeel as an espresso.
Works very nicely as an SO in plunger. A good aim would be to blend it with something to give it some high notes – perhaps a quality Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Harar – especially for drinking as an espresso
Roasting notes:
The bean roasts very evenly. First crack is clear and evident, and there is little smoke produced. Our sample was roasted to the very first snaps of second crack.
(click image for a bigger version):
El Salvador HG RFA Organic "Los Nogales" - August 2006
Tasted: August 26th 2006
Bean to be offered: September 2006
