Himalaya Estate Red Bourbon: Washed & Sun-Dried from El Salvador

If you’ve ever wondered what gives certain specialty coffees that deep, winey tang with notes of dark fruit and sweet caramel, the answer might be hiding in the high-altitude hills of El Salvador. Specifically, at an estate managed by one of Latin America’s most respected coffee names.

This lot comes from Himalaya Estate, grown at 1,500 metres above sea level in the Santa Ana region of the Apaneca mountain range—home to some of El Salvador’s best-known specialty coffee terroirs. The variety? Predominantly bourbon. Processed as washed, then dried on African raised beds using both sun and airflow. That combination delivers a cup with remarkable balance and depth.

What Is Himalaya Estate Coffee?

Himalaya Estate is one of just a few farms under the management of Aida Batlle, a pioneer in El Salvador’s specialty coffee movement. Located in Santa Ana, within the renowned Apaneca mountain range, the farm sits at 1,500 metres above sea level—an altitude ideal for developing complex cup profiles. The estate focuses heavily on planting and cultivating bourbon variety coffee trees, known for their potential to produce nuanced, aromatic coffees with bright acidity and medium body.

How the Coffee Was Processed

The coffee cherries from Himalaya Estate were processed at El Divisadero, a washing station located in Ataco and operated under the name of Mauricio Salaverria. The processing method was washed (also called wet or fully washed), meaning the outer skin and fruit pulp were removed before the beans underwent fermentation and washing to remove the mucilage. After washing, the beans were dried on African-style raised beds, utilizing both sun exposure and good ventilation. This controlled drying method helps ensure even moisture loss and contributes to the development of clean, vibrant flavours in the cup.

Flavour Profile: What Makes This Cup Unique?

According to tasting notes, this coffee presents a wine-like acidity reminiscent of red wine, accompanied by flavours of plum and brown sugar. The cup is described as having a full body—meaning it feels rich and weighty on the tongue—with a long, lingering finish. These attributes are often associated with careful processing and high-quality bourbon genetics, further enhanced by the elevation and meticulous post-harvest handling.

About Project Origin

Project Origin is a global coffee sourcing initiative founded by Sasa Sestic, the 2015 World Barista Champion. Launched three years prior to the article’s publication through his team at ONA Coffee, the project connects roasters directly with coffee growers in economically disadvantaged regions. The goal is twofold: to improve growing conditions for farmers and to secure them prices at least 20% higher than fair trade standards. Beyond economics, Project Origin emphasizes building relationships between roasters and producers, with an eye toward helping farmers grow higher quality lots. To date, the project works with farmers in eight countries, including El Salvador, Brazil, Ethiopia, Panama, India, Costa Rica, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Himalaya Estate located?

Himalaya Estate is located in the Santa Ana region of El Salvador, within the Apaneca mountain range at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level.

Who manages Himalaya Estate?

Himalaya Estate is one of the farms managed by Aida Batlle, a well-known figure in El Salvador’s specialty coffee industry.

What coffee variety is used in this lot?

The coffee is primarily the bourbon variety, which is known for producing cups with bright acidity and complex fruit flavours.

How was the coffee processed?

The coffee underwent a washed process at El Divisadero in Ataco, followed by drying on African raised beds with sun and ventilation.

What flavours can I expect from this coffee?

Tasting notes include wine-like acidity, plum, brown sugar, with a full body and a long, sweet aftertaste.

What is Project Origin?

Project Origin is a coffee sourcing initiative by 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic, aimed at improving farmer livelihoods and connecting roasters directly with growers for higher quality, ethically purchased coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans with Bourbon Character

For drinkers drawn to the bourbon variety highlighted in the Himalaya Estate lot, FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor offers a high-elevation Yellow Bourbon with balanced acidity and creamy texture, showing notes of peanut brittle and caramel. Alternatively, their Rwanda Red Bourbon highlights the bright, juicy side of the bourbon family with intense acidity and citrusy complexity. For a more classic bourbon expression, try FrontStreet’s Brazilian Red Bourbon from the Serra do Salgado region—medium-bodied with milk chocolate and red fruit. All three showcase different facets of the versatile bourbon variety. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.