The Origin

We typically favour Natural processed coffees here at Forge Valley Roasters but we couldn't resist this exceptional lot which is a Washed process coffee, the result of a collaborative effort by the esteemed Alvarez family and Luis Rodriguez, the head cupper at the renowned El Borbollon mill. Sourced from a collection of 19 Rainforest Alliance (RFA) certified farms located across the Apaneca Ilamatepec Mountain Range, primarily on the slopes of the Santa Ana Volcano, this coffee represents the best of the region's terroir and sustainable practices.

Cultivated at moderate altitudes, this washed Red Bourbon delivers a beautifully balanced and comforting profile. Expect a bright lift of stone fruits and refreshing citrus, quickly balanced by deep, anchoring notes of dark chocolate and smooth cashew nuttiness. This is a versatile and elegant cup perfect for daily enjoyment however you choose to brew your coffee!

The quality journey begins when the coffee cherry is delivered to the El Borbollon mill. Here, it undergoes the meticulous washed process: cherries are washed and floated for quality separation, then pulped and fermented overnight. The mucilage is thoroughly removed using fresh, recycled water before the beans are moved to the drying patios.

The coffee is dried for 8–10 days (with ongoing experimentation for longer drying times to enhance flavour complexity), then rests for six weeks. Finally, the parchment is hulled, and the beans are expertly hand-sorted by a team of around 40 highly skilled women before being prepared for export. This commitment to detail at every stage ensures a clean, classic, and high-quality cup.

Collect the Cards

Every coffee we source has an incredible story – an epic journey from its origin to your cup at home or in store. To honor this, we commission unique illustrated cards for each of our featured coffees.

These aren't just labels; they're collectible pieces of art that celebrate the very essence of each coffee. Each card is a small, beautiful tribute to the farm, the community, and the landscape where our beans are grown, captured by the hands of a talented artist.

We believe that every cup is an adventure, and these cards are your personal mementos. Collect them with every bag you purchase and build your own gallery of the world's most incredible coffee journeys. Each card is a new page in your coffee story.