El Salvador
El Salvador coffees are prized for their balance. A balanced coffee isn't the loudest, the most exotic in flavor, the most extreme. It's not the one roasters crow about, or that gets 99.9 points in coffee reviews or competitions. But it's the one you might want to drink and have a second cup, and third ... if you're like me. A balanced coffee is quiet, has restraint in its individual characteristics, but seems "complete" in its sum total.
El Salvador is mostly planted in old Bourbon variety coffee or its relatives (like Pacas). The Bourbon cup from El Salvador is not exotic in flavor, but it's the coffee you want to drink! It can be on par with neighboring Guatemala in every measure but is not as well-known generally. The balanced flavor profile we find in El Salvador coffees defines the region for me. Balance means a form of harmony between aromatics, acidity/brightness, flavor, and body. It's amazing in espresso as a base coffee. (I think it's much better than Brazil as a blend base, but different too). There are more photos, videos, and extended El Salvador coffee descriptions in our Coffee Library!