Diego Baraona
We take great pride in introducing this Black Honey processed SL28 from Diego Baraona as a part of our Prime series. When our green coffee buyer, Jonas, embarked on the search for the perfect Prime series coffee for the holiday season, he reached out to Cristiano at Ally Coffee: Not surprisingly, he had some exceptional coffees on hand! Among the samples we received, this lot from Los Pirineos truly distinguished itself, boasting delightful notes of sweet milk chocolate, honey, refreshing grapefruit, and ripe blackberry.
We have had our eyes on Diego Baraona for quite some time since a bunch of roasteries we highly respect have bought and roasted amazing coffees from him in the past and are thilled to have found a place for it in our new portfolio.
Located in El Salvador's Usulután region, Los Pirineos farm is managed by Diego Baraona, a fifth-generation coffee producer. Diego took over the farm in 2020 after his father's passing, preserving over 130 years of family coffee expertise.
Sitting 1400 meters above sea level on a volcano's slopes, the farm enjoys a unique microclimate with sunny days and cool breezes, perfect for coffee production and processing. The drying area benefits from raised beds situated between two peaks, creating a constant breeze. These beds are exposed to the sun for twelve hours a day, while the wind regulates the temperature, making it ideal for Honey and Natural coffee production.
Los Pirineos cultivates around 20 coffee varieties, with Pacamara and Bourbon making up 80% of the farm's volume. Additionally, they maintain a coffee variety garden and nursery with around 70 different coffee varieties, a passion passed down from Diego's father.
While focusing on quality, Diego also prioritizes environmental and social responsibility. Rainwater is the source of water for coffee production, and bees play a vital role on the farm, producing honey and supporting the local ecosystem. Around 60 people work on the farm, ensuring consistent and sustainable employment. All coffee at Los Pirineos is shade-grown under trees planted by Gilberto, Diego's father, providing a suitable environment for coffee growth and local wildlife.
This lot of SL28 underwent Black Honey processing, where the ripe cherries were pulped, leaving the mucilage intact. The coffee is dried on shaded raised beds for approximately 25 days until it reaches the ideal humidity. The shade slows down the drying process in comparison to the other Honey processing methods employed on the farm. This deliberate slowing of the drying process enhances the coffee's 'physical' quality, improving its water activity and moisture content. As a result, the coffee becomes more stable and retains its unique attributes for an extended duration.
Origin: El Salvador
Region: Usulután
Producer: Diego Baraona
Farm: Los Pirineos
Altitude: 1400 m.a.s.l
Variety: SL28
Process: Black Honey
Flavours: Sweet milk chocolate and honey meets crisp grapefruit and ripe blackberry
DIEGO BARAONA
Diego Baraona, a fifth-generation coffee producer from Los Pirineos farm in El Salvador, cherishes a rich family tradition spanning over 130 years in coffee farming. Taking over the farm's operations in 2020 after his father, Gilberto Baraona, Diego is committed to preserving this legacy. For Diego, coffee transcends being a mere crop; it's a bridge connecting him to diverse cultures worldwide and fostering friendships. He believes in the power of coffee to unite people, regardless of their backgrounds. He's excited by the rising awareness of specialty coffee and the importance of origin among younger generations, motivating him to maintain a focus on quality. In the future, Diego aims to innovate in coffee processing, expand the variety of coffee types, and continue eco-friendly and socially responsible practices. He also hopes to see more young coffee producers joining the industry.
This coffee is a part of our Prime series, and is the top tier of specialty coffee. These coffees are of unmatched quality and flavour and drinking them is an experience itself. Sourced only 3-4 times a year, our Prime coffees are extremely limited and highly coveted, with only around 200 bags available of each.
These coffees are often of exclusive and rare varieties and produced using modern and innovative methods. For those seeking the ultimate coffee experience, our Prime series is sure to satisfy even the most refined palates.
We offer four different coffee series, from House where the flavours are more familiar, to Prime which offers the absolute top tier of specialty coffee quality.
The House seriesis the foundation we stand upon, featuring specialty coffees from some of the 15 producers we work with closely, all among the best in the world. Each coffee offers a unique blend and flavour profile, and with such variety in the series, we dare say there’s a taste for (almost) everyone. To follow the harvest seasons, we rotate the origin and recipe throughout the year. This ensures the coffee is always fresh, the flavours consistent, and the cup truly delightful! In this series, you’ll find various espresso and filter coffees, both as whole beans and ground.
The Flavours series is where we truly elevate the natural flavours of each coffee. Most of the coffees are single origin, but as the contents of the product change with harvest seasons, occasionally a blend might better suit the r profile. Flavours is perfect for those seeking an exceptional cup where the coffee’s unique taste and character truly gets to shine!
The Farmers series. is a tribute to the skilled and dedicated producers which we have a close relationship with. For this series, we purchase limited quantities of specific lots that really stand out when we taste them. It could be the variety or a specific part of the farm that truly brings out the best in the coffee. The flavours of these coffees are often sweet and floral, with hints of fruit or berries, broadening the horizons on what coffee can taste like. It is with a lot of pride we highlight our producers and their incredible craftsmanship.
The Prime series is the top tier of specialty coffee. These coffees are of unmatched quality and flavour and drinking them is an experience itself. Sourced only 3-4 times a year, our Prime coffees are extremely limited and highly coveted, with only around 200 bags available of each. These coffees are often of exclusive and rare varieties and produced using modern and innovative methods. For those seeking the ultimate coffee experience, our Prime series is sure to satisfy even the most refined palates.
We specialize in specialty coffee, which means that all the coffee we purchase scores at least 80 points on a 100-point scale – a grading system established by the international coffee organization SCA.
We hold high standards for the producers we work with, both in terms of sustainability and quality. Both aspects demand more and come at a cost, which we gladly pay. The right price is worth every cent!
10 years or more – that's how long we have been working with several of our producers. Simply because they are the best, and we know and trust each other. When we begin new collaborations, which also happens from time to time, we do so with the intention of celebrating 10 years and beyond with them as well. Our close and longstanding relationships are built on a shared philosophy and a desire to improve the conditions for coffee farmers worldwide. Through sustainability and quality!
