Technical Points

Farm(ers): Jose Alexander Martinez Zepeda
Region: Metapán, El Salvador
Varietal(s): Orange Bourbon
Processing: Fully Washed
Altitude: 1300 masl
Tasting Notes: Orange Blossom, Panela, Sponge Cake

Recipe for Brewing

Coffee Weight ... 30g

Water Volume ... 450ml

Water Temperature ... 202°

Grind Size ... Medium

Brew/Contact Time - 3:05

Why Do We Love This Coffee?

Since offering this coffee briefly in the spring of 2023, we at Tenfold knew we couldn’t wait to bring it back to our lineup. The beautiful orange blossom florals and pronounced sweetness play well with gentle acidity, and end in an endlessly drinkable cup. This orange bourbon from Alexander Martinez is obviously farmed with a deft hand, and we appreciate how his attention to detail shines in the end result; not to mention the collaborative effort of CaféNor (more later). This coffee shows what El Salvador has to offer!

Why Do We Work With This Producer?

CaféNor

The CaféNor mill, owned and operated by Alejandro Valiente (and his daughters Monica & Valeria), serves as the central nervous system for the farms surrounding it. CaféNor provides infrastructure for post harvest processing, is the conduit for farm supplies, and gives access to training for the 65 small holders surrounding their mill. All this in addition to operating their own farm, Anarquía north of Santa Ana, El Salvador.

With a focus on improving production and commercial practices, and reinvesting into their community with participation in social, economic and environmental commitments, the Valiente Family is building a springboard for the surrounding community to grow and thrive in the specialty coffee marketplace. This level of community investment is inspiring, and partnering with a group such as this is a no-brainer for Tenfold.

Alexander Martinez

Typical of Salvadoran families in Metapán, Alexander’s father immigrated to the US very early in his childhood, leaving him with his mother in El Salvador. By 2016, Alexander wanted to immigrate illegally to the US, but at the encouragement of his father, stayed in Metapán to grow coffee on their family’s land. In 2017, Alexander obtained 300 coffee plants by donation through the Trifinio Plan; a socioeconomic development project centered at the convergence of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

In 2019, with the help of CaféNor, Alexander was able to purchase 2000 plants of Orange Bourbon, and 1300 plants of Pacamara for his farm, and in the years since, he has dedicated himself to bringing his farm, “God’s Blessing”, to its highest potential. With an emphasis on sustainability, growth, and quality, Alexander has rededicated himself to his community and has no plans of leaving El Salvador anytime soon.

Roasting Technical Notes

Length of Roast - 10:26
Drying Stage Percentage - 49.68% 5:11
Maillard Stage Percentage - 29.71% 3:06
Development Stage Percentage - 20.61% 2:09
Color Readings (Agtron Gourmet scale)

Interior - 69
Exterior - 81
Spread - 12