Day 18. El Salvador - Las Llantas Sarchimor Anaerobic Natural

Second-generation coffee producer José Enrique Gutiérrez is devoted to growing high-quality coffee through sustainable practices. His family once farmed coffee in eastern El Salvador, but during the 1980s, low prices and civil war forced them to leave. Even so, coffee remained José’s passion. In 2007, he purchased his first farm with a specialty mindset, determined to combine tradition with innovation.

Finca Las Llantas, named for the car tires placed at its entrance where visitors rest and take in the stunning views, sits at 1,200 metres above sea level in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range. Here, coffee trees grow under the shade of Inga trees, and sustainability is woven into everyday practice. Workers plant beans between coffee rows, providing food for families while naturally enriching the soil with nitrogen.

Over time, José expanded his landholdings, purchasing and renovating farms including San José, El Limo, Las Brisas, El Horno, and Los Cocos. Each one is managed with integrated farming systems focused on specialty quality and environmental responsibility. His dedication, paired with the stability of specialty pricing, has allowed him to build a thriving network of farms that prioritize both people and the land.

At Las Llantas, cherries are handpicked at peak ripeness and carefully sorted to remove underripes or defects. They are then placed in airtight bags to ferment for 68–72 hours in the shade, allowing for precise control of flavour development. After fermentation, cherries are transported to the El Carmen mill in Ataco, where they are spread on raised beds to sun-dry for 30–32 days. Frequent turning ensures even drying and preserves the integrity of the coffee.

The result is a coffee that reflects both José’s vision and the terroir of Apaneca-Ilamatepec: bright, clean, and complex, with the hallmark quality of El Salvador’s specialty heritage. Finca Las Llantas stands as proof that sustainable farming and innovative practices can honour tradition while building a resilient future.

Every cup tells a story. Our coffees are sourced from passionate farmers around the world, roasted with care in Buckinghamshire, and delivered fresh to your home. Treat yourself to something special, or share the gift of great coffee