Malacara is like a season in itself at James Gourmet. It’s a coffee we look forward to every year and is more than just another delivery of coffee. We have experienced the highs and lows of the harvests, the shortfalls, and years like this one. If you know my writing style, you know I am careful never to put a producer or anyone else down. I try to avoid negatives and am quite good at honesty, to the point of self-deprecation! This crop is more expensive than any year before it. This crop is not the best, but it is a very drinkable and enjoyable light filter.
With every coffee that we receive, we know just how hard it is for producers to consistently deliver good harvests year after year, and the trials with working the land and the ever-present challenges of the environment.
Farm; Malacara A
Country El Salvador
Owners: Epe Guillermo and María de Los Angeles Alvarez Prunera (Fourth generation of the Alvarez family to run Malacara)
Region Apeneca Ilamatepec Mountain range
Varietal: Red Bourbon (90%) and Typica.
Process: Washed
Roast: Filter.
Malacara was founded in the late 1880’s when the first coffee was planted there. Over time, the farm became the family’s home, and then it was separated and split between siblings. Today Malacara A has a great reputation across the coffee world.
The name Malacara translates to “bad face”. Feeling rough? Drink Malacara! Then you could be Cara Feliz or Buena Cara (Happy or good face)
In a cupping bowl:
Aromatics: Chocolate, Bakery, Light Fruit
Body medium-creamy
Acidity: Sweet citrus
On opening, Finca Malacara is a little chocolatey with some sweet citrus. If anyone who reads this remembers Bournvita (I have just checked, and it turns out it still exists; I haven’t seen it in decades) powder that you added to milk? Or vice versa? It’s that sweet, cosy chocolate vibe. As I have already stated, it’s not the best harvest, but Malacara is an easy drink without milk or anything…..apart from decent water. The fruit is in the background, quietly mulling. Blacktreacle-like sugars on cooling, with a good chocolate and lingering citrus finish. It’s a big mug, kind of coffee for me. Cosy up on the weekend with a good book, and I’m sorted.
Filter 60g per litre and up. Great in batch and V60.
Although Finca Malacara can be very okay as a “One Roast” and espresso, the filter was lost and lacking. This roast is light, exposing and bright and reveals this year’s harvest.
