A decadent cup with pronounced sweetness. Aromas of fig and cherry lead the way, with dark chocolate and graham cracker notes emerging in the cup. The round body features tangerine acidity and almond brittle sweetness, with an aftertaste of fig and black tea.

Details

Producer: Sergio Ticas
Farm: Finca Los Planes
Region: Chalatenango
Altitude: 5,330 feet
Varietal: Pacamara
Process: Honey
Roast: Light-Medium
Notes: Fig, Almond Brittle, Black Tea

The Story

Pacamara is a hybrid of the flavorful Pacas and the giant, high-production Maragogype varieties that was first bred in El Salvador in 1958. Its large cherries produce a coffee that, when roasted properly, features complex fruit notes and a creamy mouthfeel. This lot has gone through the honey process, in which the cherries are depulped and then dried with some of the sweet, sticky mucilage remaining. This process creates a rich, sweet coffee and tames acidity somewhat. 

This particular lot has a unique backstory: many years ago, late at night, banditos came to the farm and stole livestock from Los Planes. The following morning, the farmers at that time went to look for their cattle high on the farm. Instead of finding the cattle, they stumbled upon a makeshift campsite with a washed out fire and tamale wrappers scattered out on the ground. From that day on, this section of Los Planes has been referred to as Cerro Los Tamales, representing the cattle that were lost on that night.

Direct Trade

Sergio Ticas and his wife, Isabel, became our first Direct Trade partners more than a decade ago. On our first visit it was clear to us their commitment to quality and sustainable practices is top priority. They have been engaged in multiple sustainability initiatives over the last few years. Most recently, Finca Los Planes installed a new water recovery system to protect the water supply and purify the water before being released back into the ecosystem.

We are proud to have partnered with Finca Los Planes on many projects to help out their community and improve the farm since 2007. Supporting the surrounding community—many of whom are coffee pickers at Los Planes—with medicines for the local clinic and uniforms for the football team have created a solid foundation of trust between the farm and the community. Everyone in the community has a vested interest in a successful harvest each year.