Producer & Farm
Los Pirineos is one of El Salvador’s most respected coffee farms, with more than 130 years of family history in coffee cultivation. Today it is operated by Diego Baraona, who took over the farm in 2020 after the passing of his father, Gilberto Baraona — a pioneering producer known internationally for his work with coffee varieties.
The farm sits at 1,400 meters above sea level on the slopes of a stand-alone volcano in Usulután. This unique geography creates a remarkable microclimate: sunny days combined with constant cool winds flowing between two mountain peaks. Raised drying beds are positioned directly in this natural wind tunnel, allowing coffee to dry slowly and evenly under optimal conditions.
Varietal
Elite Bourbon is a special selection from some of the farm’s 90-year-old Bourbon trees. The name was given by Gilberto Baraona to honor the variety’s close lineage to the original Bourbon coffee plants from Réunion Island. Bourbon remains one of the foundational varieties of specialty coffee, prized for its sweetness, structure, and balanced acidity.
Across Los Pirineos, nearly 20 coffee varieties are cultivated—including Pacamara, Gesha, SL-28, and Rume Sudan — while the farm also maintains a variety garden and nursery with around 70 different cultivars, continuing the Baraona family’s long tradition of experimentation and preservation.
Processing
This lot is fully washed, a method that emphasizes clarity and balance in the cup. After harvest, cherries are pulped with water to remove the fruit from the parchment layer before being washed clean. The coffee is then dried slowly on shaded raised beds for approximately 45 days, allowing the sugars and structure of the coffee to stabilize while preserving clarity in the final cup.
Sustainability & Stewardship
Environmental care and community sustainability are central to Los Pirineos. Rainwater collected on the farm is used for all processing, and shade trees planted decades ago continue to provide ideal growing conditions while supporting local wildlife. Diego also maintains beehives on the farm, contributing to both honey production and ecological balance.
Around 60 workers are employed at Los Pirineos, with many involved in projects throughout the year to help ensure stable and sustainable employment beyond harvest season.
Cup Profile
This coffee showcases the classic elegance of Bourbon. Black cherry brings deep fruit sweetness, lime adds brightness and lift, and molasses rounds out the cup with rich, caramelized depth. The result is a balanced, fruit-forward profile with a silky body and long, sweet finish.
