Grumpy Mule El Salvador Las Mercedes

Okay, for this one we’re going to spin you a yarn. It’s a tall tale – but not because it’s not true, just because it’s all about the alchemy of coffee at altitude.

It starts with Fernando Aguilar, of the coffee growing Aguilar family that farms the north-eastern slope of the San Salvador Volcano over 1250 metres above sea level. One day, Fernando was walking through the 160 hectare estate when he came across a small plantation on a steep ravine. It has mature, tall trees that were noticeably different to those around.

‘Ey up!’ exclaimed Fernando, in whatever the El Salvadorian equivalent of that expression is. For he had stumbled upon something a little bit special. Back when his Grandfather owned the estate, he was gifted 25 Kenyan seedlings. Fernando had just discovered what became of them.

It’s taken a while, but now you can too. As it turns out, being forgotten about on a steep ravine, with fertile soil and all the nutrients and water washing down from the plateau above, is a very good thing indeed*. It’s sweet, balanced and totally the highlight of this year’s El Salvador crop. 

*At least if you’re a coffee crop. Probably less so if you’re not.