Gloria Rodriguez is a 4th generation farmer based in the breezy, cool region of Apaneca, El Salvador. She runs a family business in true collaboration with her children, Maria-Jose, Roberto and son-in-law, Luis. Throughout the years, the Rodriguez family have produce some of the most beautiful and unique coffees in El Salvador. El Porvenir, the farm of the Rodriguez family, sits lower in elevation than many prized producers, though the area features a special terroir with cool nights and constant wind. Care and detail are placed into the process all along the way to deliver absolutely stunning coffees from this area.

We are proud to feature four outstanding coffees from the Rodriguez family on our current menu. They come to us from our roasting partners at Madcap Coffee. 

Elefante Viejo and Elefante Nuevo

About a decade ago, several mysterious coffee trees were discovered on the farm of the Rodriguez family in Apaneca, El Salvador. The origin of the trees was unclear, but it was determined that the trees were a natural mutation that beared some resemblance to the neighboring Bourbon and Typica varieties grown on the farm. There were some clear distinctions, however. The fruit from the new trees was twice as dense, much larger and contained up to five times more juice than other varieties! The new variety was aptly named Elefante for its unusual and large size.

The Rodriguez Family harvested a small separation of the new trees to see how the profile may be different. The result was one of the juiciest and most interesting coffees they had encountered. The Elefante Viejo is a separation of these few original trees that grow at about 1400 meters above sea level on the Rodriguez farm. This coffee is laced with lavender floral notes, deep dark fruit juiciness and cocoa, with a spice complexity on the finish.

Upon tasting the first harvest of this coffee, the Rodriguez family began collecting seeds from the original trees and planted a new plot at the highest peak of their land at around 1700 meters. Last year, this plot began producing its first fruits. This Elefante Nuevo is a separation of this first cultivation of “new vine” Elefante. The coffee presents youthfully, in contrast with Viejo, holding superb acidity, white tea, dried flowers and delicate, soft fruits throughout.

Pacamara, La Gloria

Pacamara is a hybrid coffee variety that was first produced in El Salvador some 50 years ago. This hybrid is a combination of the Pacas and Maragogipe varieties, and produces a seed that is large with low density. Pacamara is known for its intense acidity and wild complexity. While the variety is prized throughout El Salvador, the coffee produced by the Rodriguez family is in a league of its own. Grown at 1550 meters, this Pacamara is filled with bright lemon, fuzzy peach, pound cake and lemongrass. The coffee is grown on a separate plot of land named La Gloria, honoring to the matriarch of this farming family, Gloria Rodriguez.

El Porvenir

El Porvenir, which translates to “The Future” or “Things to Come,” is the name of the coffee farm in Apaneca, El Salvador, run by the Rodriguez family. This coffee is a blend of Bourbon and Typica varieties, which predominate the area. Drinking El Porvenir is a familiar and comforting experience, featuring notes of rich brownie, sweet citrus, blackberry and maple syrup.