Chelazos is an absolute belter of a washed lot that never disappoints. Such an easy drinking coffee that is suited to a variety of brew methods. This year’s crop is deliciously sweet with notes of plum, tangerine and caramel – there are undertones of creamy milk chocolate too which make this coffee equally tasty as either espresso or filter. It truly is a coffee that can be enjoyed all day every day!

Details

Back in 2017, North Star boarded a plane bound to San Salvador. Their mission was to find a suitable farm to partner up with over the coming years whose coffee would go on to form an important component of their house blend. Having previously sourced coffee from the well-known producing region of Santa Ana in the West (it’s large estates famed for producing many a Cup of Excellence winning coffee) they wanted to explore the possibility of working with smaller producers with the goal of forging a more engaged, impactful and lasting relationship.

Fast forward to present day and they were clearly more than successful in said mission. Discovering an amazingly consistent and unbelievably tasty coffee that has gone on to become a North Star best seller. Chelazos is sourced from an incredible group of hero producers who are committed to principles of Specialty coffee production in the lesser known northern region of Chalatenango. Alfonso, Maria, Jose and Orlando’s coffee gets better each year and we are committed to purchasing their full production of specialty grade coffee due to the admirable dediction to their crop and love for the ecosystem they reside in. The Chelazos Finca’s may be smaller in stature than larger, more established operations but they are run by micro-entrepreneurs who are just as driven and strive to increase quality and better their harvest year on year. Chelazos is not just a co-operative, it’s a coffee community where ideas for best practice are shared and support is available in abundance.

Their coffee is high grown in comparison to much of El Salvador and as such experiences a later harvest. Another unique factor is that the coffee is washed on site as opposed to being taken to a centralised wet mill. This means the producers themselves can maintain control over the flavour profile and quality of their coffee and they are invited to cup each lot at Caravela’s lab in La Palma to receive feedback from the expert cuppers there. The farms that have contributed towards this lot are beautiful and are run with care and consideration for the environment and farm workers.

Key Stats

Location: Chalatenango, Northern El Salvador

Altitude: 1,400-1,600 metres above sea level

Preparation: Washed

Varietal: Bourbon, Pacas

Owners: Alberto Ochoa, María Zoila Piñeda, Orlando Aguilar, Jose Alfonso Rodriguez

Flavours: Plum | Tangerine | Caramel | Milk Chocolate