Rose • White Grape • Fig • Black Tea

Origin: Chalatenango • Process: Washed • Variety: Pacamara

Day nine. Day nine. Somehow we keep moving forward while also being profoundly behind. Respect.

Today’s coffee is El Salvador Santa Rosa, a washed Pacamara from Finca Santa Rosa. This lot reflects the vision and precision of Jorge Raul Rivera, a second-generation producer working in Chalatenango. Season after season, this coffee stands as a benchmark washed offering — built on clarity, floral complexity, bright acidity, and enduring sweetness.

Right out of the bag, the aroma leans tea-like. Clean. Reserved. Almost polite. There’s a softness here that hints at structure rather than fruit fireworks.

Dialing In: Light and Lively

Started at a negative one on the grinder. Light roast, light structure, no reason to overthink it. First shots went straight over ice — Americano style — followed by a hot pull for comparison.

Notes on the card: rose, white grape, fig, black tea. Let’s see who shows up.

Iced Americano: Sharp Start, Woody Finish

Over ice, this one comes out noticeably brighter. There’s a sharp acidity right up front — not unpleasant, but definitely assertive. The finish trends fibrous and woody, almost plant-like.

It’s a very different experience compared to the smoother, rounder cups earlier in the week. Less fruit-forward, more structure-forward. I’m not really getting grape or rose here, and floral notes stay pretty muted.

This feels like a coffee that wants your attention.

Hot Shot: Where This Coffee Shines

Hot is a completely different story.

The acidity softens immediately, and the flavor opens up. There’s more warmth, more balance, and a surprising fruit note — almost peachy — that wasn’t present over ice. Still not overtly floral, but definitely more expressive.

The finish brings in something holiday-adjacent. A little allspice, maybe. Something warm and familiar without going sweet or heavy.

Unexpected twist: I like this coffee better hot.

Verdict

El Salvador Santa Rosa is precise, structured, and thoughtful. Over ice, it leans sharp and woody. Hot, it becomes balanced, expressive, and quietly complex.

This is a coffee that rewards patience — and temperature.

Day nine complete.
Still behind.
Still caffeinated.
Still learning.