Finca El Durazno
Finca El Durazno is located in Los Planes, El Izotal hamlet, La Palma municipality, Chalatenango department, in northern El Salvador, bordering Honduras. Finca El Durazno reaches an altitude of 1900m. The current owner, Mr. Jaime, started this farm in 2015 to produce coffee at high altitudes, aiming to improve quality, as his father had previously grown coffee in mid-altitude areas. The farm was named "Durazno" (peach) because of the peach trees on the property.
The farm consists of four sections, with Pacamara and Geisha cultivated in two high-altitude sections reaching 1900m. Due to the microclimate differing from mid-altitude areas, the coffee harvest season starts later than in other regions, from mid-February, and continues until the end of April.
Challenges of High-Altitude Cultivation
Due to the cold climate, coffee cherries take a long time to ripen. However, cherries that ripen slowly from flowering absorb abundant nutrients, developing floral and fruity flavors. On the other hand, the later part of the harvest season approaches the rainy season, which requires careful attention. The rainy season, starting in April, is an unfavorable climate condition for Finca El Durazno, causing cherries to fall or deteriorate, making early harvesting essential. Furthermore, during heavy rains, the roads to the farm become impassable, sometimes preventing access. Therefore, harvesting is often suspended until the weather improves and carried over to the next day. This makes the journey very challenging for those unfamiliar with the local roads.
In such an environment, the farm relies on the experience of locals to harvest at the best possible time each year, considering the weather conditions and cherry growth.
Finca El Durazno has attempted to participate in the Cup of Excellence several times before. Unfortunately, they had not passed the selection process until now, finally achieving their first award at the 2025 Cup of Excellence.
Mr. Jaime expressed his joy at the award, saying, "This coffee has undoubtedly turned out wonderfully, allowing you to experience the fruity and splendid exceptional flavor characteristics that this region brings. We are delighted that our coffee has been given this opportunity through the Cup of Excellence to be offered to everyone."
EL SALVADOR CUP OF EXCELLENCE 2025
The 2025 El Salvador Cup of Excellence International Jury took place in the capital, San Salvador, from May 26-29. After national judging, 40 lots advanced to the international judging. Following three rounds of sessions in the international judging, 29 lots were successfully awarded the Cup of Excellence. The 2025 El Salvador COE was judged in three categories based on processing methods: Washed+Honey, Natural, and Experimental. Eight lots were selected for Cup of Excellence in the Washed+Honey category, 12 lots in Natural, and 9 lots in Experimental.
*The Experimental category includes unique processing methods such as anaerobic fermentation and carbonic maceration, which differ from traditional processing methods.
・ El Salvador COE2025 Washed&Honey Category 8th place (Score 87.02)
- ・Lot details→ACE Website
