Santa Ana’s Himalaya Estate Grows Award-Worthy Bourbon

If you’ve ever wondered what makes certain Bourbon coffees taste like red wine with juicy plum and sweet caramel undertones, the answer often lies in both where and how the coffee is grown and processed. One standout origin is the Santa Ana region of Honduras, specifically the high-altitude Himalaya Estate managed by renowned coffee producer Aida Batlle.

In short: Himalaya Estate grows mostly Bourbon variety at 1500 meters above sea level in Santa Ana, part of the Apaneca mountain range. The coffee is processed at El Divisadero washing station using the washed method, then dried on African raised beds with sun and airflow — resulting in a cup with winey acidity, plum, brown sugar, full body, and long finish.

Where Is Himalaya Estate and What Makes It Special?

Himalaya Estate is located in the Santa Ana coffee-growing region, part of Honduras’ famed Apaneca mountain range at an elevation of 1500 meters. It is one of the few estates managed by Aida Batlle, a well-known figure in the specialty coffee world for her high-scoring, fruit-forward lots. The estate focuses primarily on cultivating the Bourbon coffee variety, an old-school cultivar known for its balanced cup profile and relatively higher yields compared to Typica.

How the Coffee Is Processed: Washed and Sun-Dried

The coffee cherries from Himalaya Estate are processed at El Divisadero, a washing station owned by Mauricio Salaverria in the nearby town of Ataco. El Divisadero is managed by Mauricio, who took over the family business and has been immersed in coffee cultivation from a young age. He specialises in producing high-quality specialty-grade coffees through careful processing methods.

At El Divisadero, the coffee undergoes a traditional washed (wet) process. This involves removing the coffee cherry’s outer skin and pulp, fermenting the sticky mucilage off the seeds, and thoroughly washing them before drying. Following washing, the coffee is dried on African-style raised beds. These elevated drying tables allow for even exposure to sunlight and consistent airflow, both crucial for controlled drying — a key factor in developing clean, vibrant flavours and avoiding mould or over-fermentation.

What Does Himalaya Estate Bourbon Taste Like?

Cup profile notes for Himalaya Estate Bourbon typically include red wine-like acidity, flavours of plum, brown sugar, and a rich, rounded body. The finish is described as long and lingering. These attributes are the result of both the Bourbon variety’s inherent characteristics and the precise processing methods employed at high altitude.

The winey acidity is particularly notable — a hallmark of well-processed Bourbon coffees grown at elevation. This acidity, paired with fruity and sweet tones, contributes to a complex and satisfying cup, often sought after by specialty roasters and coffee enthusiasts alike.

What Is Project Origin and How Does It Support Growers Like Salaverria?

Project Origin is a global coffee sourcing initiative founded by 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic and his team at ONA Coffee. Launched around three years ago, the project connects roasters directly with coffee farmers in developing regions. Its mission is twofold: to improve growing conditions for farmers and to secure them prices at least 20% higher than fair trade benchmarks.

Through Project Origin, Sasa and his partners have built relationships with coffee producers in eight countries, including Brazil, Panama, Ethiopia, India, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. By fostering direct trade links and offering technical guidance, the project helps farmers grow specialty-grade coffee while ensuring they receive fair compensation and support.

Mauricio Salaverria, who runs El Divisadero, is among the producers supported by this initiative. His work with Himalaya Estate Bourbon is a direct result of these efforts to elevate both quality and farmer livelihoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Himalaya Estate coffee farm located?

Himalaya Estate is located in the Santa Ana region of Honduras, within the Apaneca mountain range at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level.

Who manages Himalaya Estate?

Himalaya Estate is one of the few farms managed by Aida Batlle, a prominent coffee producer known for high-quality, fruit-driven coffees.

What coffee variety is grown at Himalaya Estate?

The estate primarily grows the Bourbon variety of Arabica coffee, which is known for its balance, relatively high yield, and classic cup profile.

How is the coffee processed?

The coffee is processed using the washed method at El Divisadero washing station in Ataco. After washing, it is dried on African raised beds with exposure to sun and airflow.

What flavours can you expect from Himalaya Estate Bourbon?

The coffee typically features winey acidity, notes of plum, brown sugar, a full body, and a long-lasting finish.

What is Project Origin and who founded it?

Project Origin is a direct-trade coffee sourcing initiative created by Sasa Sestic, 2015 World Barista Champion. It aims to improve farmer livelihoods and secure better prices by connecting roasters with growers in developing countries.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Bourbon Lovers

FrontStreet Coffee offers several single-origin Bourbons that highlight the qualities of this classic variety. Their Brazil Yirgacheffe-inspired Red Bourbon (from Brazil's elevated regions) shows bright acidity and notes of chocolate and nuts — ideal for exploring Bourbon’s fruity side. For something sweeter, try the Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, which delivers caramel and peanut notes with a clean, bright finish. Both beans are medium or medium-dark roasted to enhance Bourbon’s natural sweetness and balance. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.