El Derrumbe

Jose Arnulfo Montiel Maldonado

25

At 1,500 masl, surrounded by mist, shade, and fertile soil, lies Finca El Derrumbe a coffee farm where coffee is not only cultivated, but inherited, honored, and transformed into passion.

The story of the farm is written through four generations of coffee producers. It all began with José Arnulfo Montiel Maldonado’s great grandfather, continued with his grandfather, and later with his father, who took the first steps into the world of specialty coffee.

Today, at just 26 years old, José represents the new generation carrying on the family legacy with a modern vision focused on quality, innovation, and excellence.

At Finca El Derrumbe, every coffee bean receives care from the very beginning. The work starts with plant care, soil nutrition, and natural protection under guachipilín, pepeto, and other shade trees that help maintain balance within the ecosystem.

Harvesting is done by selecting only cherries at their perfect stage of ripeness, because they understand that quality begins with the picking process.

The farm specializes in microlots of exceptional varieties such as Pacamara, Pacas, and Gesha, carefully cultivated to express the best characteristics of Salvadoran high altitude terroir. Each process is carried out with artisanal precision: washed, natural, honey, and experimental processes designed to discover unique cup profiles.

After harvesting, the coffee is placed on African drying beds where it slowly dries under 80% shade. This method helps preserve the aromas, sweetness, and complexity of the beans. Great care is also given to the resting and storage time, ensuring that every lot reaches its maximum potential before reaching buyers.

More than producing coffee, the Montiel family seeks to share an experience. Every cup represents years of tradition, family effort, and respect for the land. It is the result of young hands that believe in the future of Salvadoran coffee without forgetting their roots.

Because at Finca El Derrumbe, they do not only cultivate specialty coffee, they cultivate a story that continues to grow generation after generation.