Arnulfo Diaz Pacamara Semi-Washed, El Salvador

Arnulfo Diaz is a new producer for us, and we’re very excited to feature his coffees, in addition to our perennial offerings from CaféNor! This year we have two Pacamaras from his estate, La Finca Machuca; one natural process, and one semi-washed.

When we were in El Salvador in 2024, sourcing coffees from CaféNor, the Semi-Washed Pacamara from Diaz stood out as truly exceptional! So much so, we committed to buying the natural sight unseen.


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.



Chalatenango

Most coffees from our partners at CaféNor come from the municipality of Metapán, where they are headquartered, but Arnulfo Diaz farms his coffees in La Palma, in the neighboring Chalatenango Department to the southeast. Coffees from Chalatenango are grown at higher elevation than in Metapán, and for the Pacamara cultivar, this is ideal! Its cup quality potential is best at “high elevation” relative to latitude. El Salvador’s minimum threshold to be classified as high elevation is 1300 masl.

Given the distinct environment in which coffees from this region are grown, you’ll generally find heightened acidity, depth of flavor, and complexity from Chalatenango, which we’re happy to say is very evident in the coffees we have this year at Tenfold!

CaféNor has been a key part of Tenfold’s history, since the very beginning. Providing foundational blend lots, and micro lots with a distinct terroir of Metapán. Coffees with complexity, delicacy, florality, and distinction have been their trademark, giving us more than enough reason to continue this partnership year after year.

Alejandro Valiente is a quintessential farmer, from his humor to his gait. His commitment to the very earth that binds us all is admirable as it is intoxicating. We truly appreciate the privilege it is to support his and CaféNor’s vision, and of course enjoy his company when we can!