El Salvador: Miravalles Bourbon Centroamericano H1

This is our second time buying Miravalles but this lot is a special hybrid cultivar called "Centroamericano" or H1. It's also what's called an F1 hybrid, which are first generation offspring from two very different parent plants; in this case a Sarchimor (Timor hybrid and Villa Sarchi) and an African heirloom cultivar Rume Sudan. An important aspect of F1 hybrids is that you have to buy the 1st generation seeds in order for them to produce. Essentially, you can't re-plant seed from an F1 and expect to get the same "Centroamericano" characteristics like you would with other commercial varieties. The upside is that being 1st generation, they have what's called "hybrid vigor", which in this case is expressed as resistance to leaf rust ("la roya") and the ability to outproduce many of the older Bourbon and Caturra types.

The 120 manzana Finca Miravalles is a family affair. It's owned by husband and wife Luis Duarte and Tete Chacón, and much of the management is handled by their son, Luis Jr, and Chico, the on-site manager of 15 years. The farm is located in Apaneca, Ahuachapan, not too far from the Santa Ana volcano. It used to be two separate farms, Miravalles belonging to Tete's family, Santa Maria to Luis's. They were both raised on these neighboring farms, family ownership going back some 150 years. Sometime after marrying, they put in an offer on Miravalles, which was all but abandoned at the time, and joined with Santa Maria under the Miravalles name. They have been renovating the farm ever since, keeping much of the original Bourbon and Pacas cultivars, and planting several other varieties, including H1 and F1 hybrids, Catimor, Pacamara, Caturra, and Gesha. They've done an amazing job segregating the cultivars in separate plots, and go to great lengths to harvest and process separately too. Miravalles is perched on the verdant slopes of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain region, and spans an altitude range of about 1250 to 1550 meters above sea level. This is another beautiful farmgate coffee that is great as espresso. 

Cupping Notes: Mild sweetness of molasses and caramel, with flavors of nut chew candies, honey roasted nut, cacao nibs, tannic tea notes with immense body

Brew Recommendations: Drip, French press, pour-over and espresso

Varietals: H1 ("Centroamericano")

Region: Apaneca, Ahuachapan

Elevation: 1250-1550 meters above sea level

Processing Method: Wet process (washed) and patio sun-dried

Equity and Transparency Pricing Levels

Sustaining Level: $16 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Uplifting Level: $20 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Benefacting Level: $24 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Produced by Luis Duarte and Tete Chacón in the Apaneca region of Ahuachapan, this El Salvador: Miravalles Bourbon Centroamericano H1 represents a focused expression of the H1 varietal. Cultivated at elevations between 1250 and 1550 masl, the coffee undergoes a washed process, a method typically employed to highlight the inherent clarity and structural acidity of the bean. Roasted by Keia & Martyn's Coffee, the profile leans into deep, confectionary sweetness and structured bitterness, featuring notes of molasses, caramel, nut chew candies, honey roasted nut, cacao nibs, and tannic tea. When evaluating such complex profiles, enthusiasts often consult a flavor wheel to better categorize the interplay between the sugary base notes and the subtle, tea-like astringency found in the finish. This lot serves as a distinct example of how regional terroir and careful processing can shape the final cup, offering a balanced experience for those who appreciate traditional, well-defined flavor profiles.