El Salvador Cerro Las Ranas Honey

Lemonade, Raspberry, Nougat

This is one of those coffees that's difficult not to love. It's a honey process from Apaneca, Ahuachapán with flavors like raspberry and sweet nougat. We have JASAL to thank for the lot, a coffee outfit run by Jose Antonio Salaverria with an exceptional focus on quality. 

The varieties at work here are Bourbon, Pacamara, Sarchimor, Pacas, Catuai, and Caturra. The mix reps the honey process beautifully. First, Jose and his crew pulped the cherries, then dried the beans, then covered the mucilage on clay patios, then turned the mix constantly to ensure even drying. 

The cup flashes with bright, clean fruit. Sweet citrus expresses first in the form of lemonade. A hit of raspberry follows, sparkly and energizing. But the fruit coasts on an unusual mouthfeel, thicker than you'd expect, with more depth and resonance. The cup mellows as it cools, giving way to sugary tones like nougat and marshmallow.

• Region - Apaneca, Ahuachapán
• Producer - Jose Antonio Salaverria
• Process - Honey
• Varieties - Bourbon, Pacamara, Sarchimor, Pacas, Catuai, and Caturra
• Elevation - 1,450 - 1,780 MASL

Best for:

• Pour Over
• Aeropress
• Drip Machine
• French Press
• Single Origin Espresso