El Salvador Natamaya

Finca Natamaya is named for the two daughters of Hermann and Nena Mendez, Natalia and Mayita. In a way, this project represents the future, just like their daughters do. The farm was purchased by the family with the specific intention of developing the quality of the coffee to a level that land had never seen before. At Natamaya, experimental small lots of unique coffee varieties have been planted on the heels of standard quality improvements: better cherry selection, more consistency in drying processes, controlled fermentation. But what really took their coffees to the next level is a commitment to analyzing every detail avail- able.

In 2012, the Mendez family sorted their coffees into 50 micro lots in order to experience with Jared the difference in flavor development and quality of each parcel of land. The results were eye-opening and integral in the Mendez family better under- standing how to build higher quality blended lots. This level of commitment produced the cleanest, sweetest lots yet, and helped Ruby understand the weight of what a partnership could mean.

This is the fourth year we’ve been able to deepen our relationship: not only was Ruby able to increase the amount of coffee ordered from Natamaya for this single origin release, but we also were able to purchase large quantities to be a part of Creamery. From Hermann, himself:

“We welcome Jared's increased order, we actually look forward to having advanced orders/fixed price to secure the income to practice a better agriculture.”