Origin: El Salvador
Farm/Region: Chalchuapa, Santa Ana
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, peach, floral, & silky
Producer: Emilio López Díaz
Varietal: SL-34
Processing: Honey
Altitude: 1500 – 1550 MASL
About: La Cumbre (the top) is the highest section of Finca El Manzano, where the best of Emilio’s coffees are found. Established in 1872, Finca El Manzano has remained under the stewardship of the López Díaz family for an impressive span of seven generations. In 2005, Emilio López Díaz undertook an expansion of El Manzano by erecting a processing mill, thereby affording him precise control over every facet of production. This visionary move also witnessed the introduction of unconventional varieties, such as SL-34 and Geisha, which were previously absent in the Salvadoran coffee landscape.
As a testament to these enhancements, Emilio's Geisha took both 1st and 2nd positions during the 2018 Cup of Excellence competition—an unprecedented feat. Emilio and his team exhibit meticulous dedication in their endeavors at Beneficio El Manzano. However, their commitment extends beyond their own operations; they are equally devoted to enhancing the quality and productivity of fellow producers within the region.
Commencing in early 2021, Emilio and his team initiated the Grow Together Social Program. This pioneering initiative involves the provision of education and technical guidance to local producers, bolstering their expertise and practices. Additionally, the program ensures that vital medical and educationrequirements of the communities are adequately addressed.