Arnulfo Días – Pacamara Honey

This single-origin light roast comes from a producer in El Salvador working with Pacamara, a crossbred variety created by pairing local Pacas plants with Maragogipe, which carries genes for unusually large seeds and pronounced fruit character. The hybrid has built a reputation across the region for delivering complex cups that stand out in blind tastings.

What sets this lot apart is the honey process applied after harvest. Instead of washing the seeds clean or leaving the entire cherry intact during drying, the producer removes only the outer skin and lets the beans dry with their mucilage layer still clinging to the surface. That sticky coating concentrates sugars as moisture evaporates, amplifying the natural fruit notes already present in the Maragogipe lineage.

The result is a syrupy mouthfeel paired with flavors that lean toward brown sugar and red grape. The light roast preserves the bright, clean acidity typical of Central American lots while allowing the processing method to shine through in every sip. You'll taste the difference between this approach and a fully washed coffee from the same origin—the honey method adds weight and sweetness without muddying the clarity.

Because this is a single-origin release, availability depends on the harvest cycle and how much the producer allocates to specialty roasters. Once a lot sells through, the profile may shift slightly with the next crop, though the processing technique and varietal remain consistent year over year. Grind just before brewing to preserve the aromatics, and use a method that highlights body if you want the syrupy texture front and center, or a pour-over if you prefer to emphasize the grape-like brightness.