El Salvador | El Angel | Red Bourbon | Washed

Region: Santa Ana Volcano, Santa Ana

Elevation: 1400-1600 masl

About: Finca El Ángel is the sixth and most recent addition to the Silva family’s operation, acquired in December 2022. The farm was originally established in 2018 by the Mathies family, who processed their coffees at the Silva family mill in Apeneca. After tasting the first harvest in late 2021, Rafael Jr. and the Mathies family agreed on a sale, bringing El Ángel into the Silva portfolio. 

Set high on the slopes of the Santa Ana volcano, El Ángel is planted exclusively with coffee. Five varieties are cultivated: Red Bourbon, Orange Bourbon, Pacamara, SL-28 and Geisha. 

The farm is now in a period of transition. Rafa is renovating and refining the original vision while maintaining sufficient production to ensure long term viability. Progress can be steady and at times slow, though early results suggest the direction is sound. In 2024, a naturally processed SL-28 from El Ángel placed second in the Natural category at the El Salvador Cup of Excellence.

SL-28, developed in Kenya, is recognised for pronounced sweetness and vibrant acidity. This lot was traditionally washed, highlighting its structured, juicy profile.

Grown by the Silva family on the slopes of the Santa Ana Volcano, this El Salvador lot showcases the classic profile of the Red Bourbon varietal. Cultivated at elevations between 1400 and 1600 meters above sea level, the coffee benefits from the unique volcanic terroir of the Santa Ana region. As a washed coffee, this selection emphasizes the inherent characteristics of the bean, often resulting in a clean, balanced cup that highlights the clarity of the origin.

Sourced and roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, this offering serves as an excellent reference point for those exploring the nuances of Central American production. When evaluating the specific profile of this coffee, tasters may find it helpful to consult the flavor wheel to identify the subtle complexities developed during the washing process. This lot represents a focused expression of the Silva family’s commitment to traditional cultivation practices in one of El Salvador’s most prominent coffee-growing landscapes.