El Salvador - Diego Baraona

Black Pepper x Gooseberry x Lemon

• Farm: Los Pirineos
  
• Region: El Salvador - Usulutan
  
• Variety: Harrar
  
• Altitude: 1900m
• Process: Black honey process
  
• Producer: Diego Baraona
  
  

  Located at an altitude of 1400 meters on the slopes of a solitary volcano, the Los Pirineos farm enjoys a unique microclimate combining sunny days and refreshing breezes, creating an environment conducive to all stages of production, from processing to drying the coffee. This feature is particularly evident in the drying area, where raised beds are cleverly arranged between two peaks, forming a natural wind tunnel through which a constant breeze blows. Exposed to the sun for twelve hours every day, the beans benefit from the thermal regulation offered by the persistent wind, creating an optimal environment for producing Honey and Naturel coffees.

  In the heart of El Salvador's Usulután department, Diego Baraona, a fifth-generation coffee grower, operates the Los Pirineos farm. Since 2020, Diego has taken over following the death of his father, making it a point of honor to preserve his family's tradition and heritage, with 130 years of expertise in coffee growing. In addition to his passion for coffee growing, Diego has also won the exceptional distinction of 22 Cup of Excellence awards from El Salvador, testifying to his unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.

  Beyond the constant quest for quality at Los Pirineos, Diego pays particular attention to environmental and social responsibility. All the water used in coffee production and processing comes from collected rainwater. Bees are also present to produce honey and contribute to the local ecosystem in a variety of ways. Employing around 60 people on the farm, Diego ensures that the coffee pickers are also involved in other projects on the farm throughout the year, guaranteeing stable, sustainable work. The coffee trees at Los Pirineos grow in the shade of trees planted by Diego's father Gilberto, creating optimal growing conditions for the coffee and providing additional space for local wildlife.

  At Los Pirineos, an impressive range of around 20 coffee varieties are in production, including Rume Sudan, SL-28, Batian and Gesha. The must-try Pacamara and Bourbon make up nearly 80% of the farm's total volume. In addition to these varieties in production, the farm is also home to its own coffee variety garden, as well as a nursery containing around 70 different varieties. This commitment to varieties was a deep passion of Diego's father, Gilberto, and is one that Diego is determined to carry forward into the farm's future, continuing to cultivate and experiment.