Coffee Advent Calendar Day 1: El Salvador Finca Argentina Bourbon
Coffee Advent Calendar: Finca Argentina Bourbon
NOTES: Molasses, Chocolate, Citrus
ROAST: Medium
Finca Argentina is our family’s 170-acre farm in the Apaneca region of El Salvador—historically the first area where coffee was introduced more than 175 years ago. Today, Apaneca remains the country’s most important coffee-growing region, known for its rich volcanic soil and ideal altitude, which contribute to delicate, complex, and well-balanced cups.
Because we manage our own farm, we’re able to reserve some of our best nano lots each year to share with our customers. This lot is a traditional Bourbon variety—first cultivated on Île Bourbon (modern-day Réunion Island) and later spread through Central and South America thanks to its improved yield and outstanding cup quality, hence its name. By 2012, however, the genetic uniformity of Bourbon in El Salvador (over 85% of plantings) made farms extremely vulnerable, and a severe rust outbreak devastated 80–90% of production nationwide, including on our farm.
After that event, we diversified with new varieties but preserved a small area of Bourbon thanks to its exceptional flavor potential. Maintaining it at a smaller scale allows us to manage rust more effectively while keeping this classic Salvadoran profile alive.
In the cup, expect mild citrus acidity, a juicy body, and notes of chocolate and molasses with a clean, lingering finish—an excellent example of Salvadoran Bourbon.
- Country: El Salvador
- Region: Apaneca, Ahuachapan
- Producers: Mauricio Martinez (our dad!)
- Altitude: 1,350 masl
- Varietal: Bourbon
- Process: Washed
