El Salvador’s Himalaya Estate: Bourbon Coffee at 1500m

If you’ve ever sipped a Salvadoran coffee and wondered how altitude, variety, and processing shape its profile—especially those bright red fruit notes with a winey tang—this story starts at 1500 metres. That’s where El Salvador’s Himalaya Estate grows some of the country’s most sought-after Bourbon coffee, farmed under conditions that bring out exceptional clarity and complexity.

The short answer? The Himalaya Estate, located in Santa Ana at 1500m in the Apaneca mountains, grows mostly Bourbon trees. Its coffee is washed at El Divisadero in Ataco, then dried on African beds with sun and airflow—resulting in a cup with winey acidity, plum, brown sugar, and a long finish.

Where Himalaya Estate Is Located

Himalaya Estate sits in the Santa Ana region, part of El Salvador’s famous Apaneca mountain range, at an elevation of 1500 metres. It’s one of the few estates managed by Aida Batlle, a well-known figure in the specialty coffee world. The high elevation and volcanic soil create ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation, which contributes to the coffee’s complex cup profile.

The Bourbon Variety at Himalaya

The estate primarily plants the Bourbon coffee variety—a classic Arabica type originally from Réunion Island (formerly Bourbon). Unlike Typica, Bourbon trees have broader leaves, denser foliage, and typically yield 30% more coffee per plant. The cherries are rounder and often display a medium acidity. While hardier Typica plants resist disease better, Bourbon is valued for its cup quality, especially at high altitudes. The Himalaya Estate’s Bourbon thrives in these cool, elevated conditions, developing nuanced fruit and sugar notes.

How the Coffee Is Processed

After harvest, the coffee cherries from Himalaya Estate are processed at El Divisadero, a washing station in Ataco owned by Mauricio Salaverria. This facility is known for its careful washed processing methods. Once depulped and fermented, the beans are washed clean and then dried on African-style raised beds. The drying process uses both sun exposure and controlled airflow to ensure even moisture loss, which is critical for stabilizing the bright acidity and fruity flavours that define this coffee.

About Project Origin and Sasa Sestic

Project Origin is a global coffee sourcing initiative founded three years ago by 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic and his team at ONA Coffee. The project connects directly with coffee growers in economically disadvantaged regions. It pays farmers at least 20% above fair trade prices and focuses on improving production practices. A key goal is strengthening relationships between roasters and producers while guiding farmers to grow high-quality lots. So far, Sasa’s team has partnered with growers in eight countries, including El Salvador, Brazil, Panama, Ethiopia, India, Costa Rica, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What altitude is Himalaya Estate located at?

Himalaya Estate is located at 1500 metres above sea level in the Santa Ana region of El Salvador’s Apaneca mountain range.

What coffee variety is grown at Himalaya Estate?

The estate primarily grows the Bourbon variety, known for its broader leaves, higher yields compared to Typica, and cup qualities that include medium acidity and pronounced fruit notes—especially when grown at high elevations.

How is the coffee processed at Himalaya Estate?

The coffee is processed using a washed method at El Divisadero in Ataco. After washing, the beans are dried on African raised beds with both sun exposure and ventilation to ensure even drying and enhance cup clarity.

Who manages the Project Origin coffee initiative?

Project Origin was founded by Sasa Sestic, the 2015 World Barista Champion, along with his team at ONA Coffee. It aims to improve conditions for coffee farmers and foster direct relationships with roasters.

Which regions does Project Origin work with?

Project Origin currently partners with coffee growers in eight countries, including El Salvador, Brazil, Panama, Ethiopia, India, Costa Rica, and others, focusing on improving quality and farmer livelihoods.

Recommended FrontStreet Bourbon Coffees

For fans of the bright, winey profile found in El Salvador’s Bourbon coffees, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazilian Red Bourbon from the Hilarcá region—medium roast with notes of red berries, caramel, and chocolate—or the Brazilian Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, offering citrus brightness, creamy mouthfeel, and hints of peanut brittle. Both highlight Bourbon’s signature fruitiness and balance. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.