At Coffee Collective, we believe every great coffee has a story, and Las Isabellas tells one that’s rich in flavour, heritage, and sustainability. This exceptional single-origin coffee from El Salvador has quickly become a customer favourite for its smooth sweetness and its notes of plum and chocolate.
Where Does Las Isabellas Coffee Come From?
Las Isabellas comes from a breathtaking estate located on the south face of Cerrón Grande, in the Apaneca region of western El Salvador. The farm sits at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,450 meters, where the cool mountain air and fertile volcanic soil create the perfect conditions for slow-growing, flavour-packed coffee cherries.
But Las Isabellas isn’t just about coffee; it’s a living ecosystem. The farm includes 175 acres of natural forest, freshwater springs, and waterfalls, all protected under the Rainforest Alliance certification. These elements make it a haven for biodiversity and ensure that the coffee you enjoy is grown with care for both people and the planet.
The farm is owned and managed by José Roberto Santamaria, who oversees everything from cultivation to milling on-site. His commitment to quality and sustainability has earned Las Isabellas a reputation as one of El Salvador’s most respected speciality coffee farms.
What Makes Las Isabellas Coffee Special?
Las Isabellas isn’t just another Central American coffee. It’s a truly unique blend of two exceptional Arabica varieties, Pacamara and Bourbon:
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Bourbon is a classic heritage variety prized for its smoothness and balance.
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Pacamara, on the other hand, is a hybrid known for its large beans and bold, complex flavours.
Together, they create a cup that’s beautifully balanced, sweet, mild, and full-bodied, with delicate notes of plum, chocolate, and a hint of caramel.
Grown at high altitude and processed with meticulous care, Las Isabellas offers the kind of refined flavour profile that speciality coffee lovers crave: a smooth sweetness without harsh acidity.
The Story Behind Las Isabellas: A Legacy of Care
At Coffee Collective, we love working with producers who share our values, and Las Isabellas embodies that spirit. The farm is part of the Blue Harvest Project, an initiative dedicated to protecting water sources and improving soil health across coffee-growing regions.
Through this programme, Las Isabellas uses sustainable water management techniques and maintains forest cover to reduce soil erosion and preserve natural habitats. These practices don’t just protect the environment; they also enhance the quality of the coffee.
The result? A cup that’s as ethical and sustainable as it is delicious.
How Is Las Isabellas Coffee Processed and Roasted?
From tree to cup, every step in the Las Isabellas process is handled with precision. After careful hand-picking, the coffee cherries are washed and sun-dried on raised beds. This slow, natural drying method locks in sweetness and brings out the coffee’s signature smoothness.
At Coffee Collective, we roast Las Isabellas with a light-to-medium profile, allowing the natural flavours of the bean to shine. Rather than masking them with heavy roasting, we focus on enhancing the bean’s innate sweetness and fruit notes.
Our roast aims to highlight the balance between sweet plum, milk chocolate, and a subtle nutty finish, ensuring the cup remains smooth and approachable, perfect for both espresso and filter brewing.
Why Coffee Lovers Can’t Get Enough of Las Isabellas
Las Isabellas has become one of our most talked-about coffees — and for good reason. Here’s why our customers love it:
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It’s wonderfully versatile. Whether you enjoy espresso, flat whites, or filter brews, Las Isabellas adapts beautifully to every method.
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It’s sustainably produced. Every cup supports Rainforest Alliance-certified farming and the Blue Harvest initiative.
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It’s smooth and balanced. The plum and chocolate notes offer richness without bitterness.
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It’s full of story and provenance. You know exactly where it comes from and the people behind it.
This isn’t just coffee; it’s craftsmanship, sustainability, and tradition in every sip.
How to Brew Las Isabellas at Home
At Coffee Collective, we want you to enjoy Las Isabellas exactly as it’s meant to be, rich, balanced, and bursting with character. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Choose the Right Grind
If you have a grinder at home, we always recommend buying whole beans. Freshly ground coffee retains more aroma and flavour. But if you’d rather have it ready to brew, select:
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Espresso grind for coffee machines and milk-based drinks.
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Filter grind for pour-over, Aeropress, or drip brewing.
Brew Fresh
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For the best taste, use your coffee within 3–4 weeks of the roast date. Store it in an airtight container, away from light, moisture, and heat.
Espresso Guide
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For espresso lovers, start with an 18 g dose and aim for 36 g of espresso output.
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A 25–30 second extraction usually delivers a balanced cup, smooth, sweet, and clean.
Filter Guide
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For filter brewing, use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio (for example, 15 g coffee to 240 ml water), a medium-fine grind, and water at about 93 °C. Brew for 2½–3 minutes, and you’ll uncover the coffee’s layered sweetness and those signature plum-chocolate tones.
Milk-Based Drinks
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If you love milk drinks like flat whites or lattes, Las Isabellas is a dream. The natural sweetness of the coffee blends beautifully with milk, creating a cup that’s silky, mellow, and deeply satisfying.
For Lighter Palates
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Prefer a clean, delicate flavour? Brew Las Isabellas as a simple filter coffee to enjoy its gentle sweetness and bright finish; no heavy roast bitterness here.
Perfect Pairings for Las Isabellas
Las Isabellas pairs wonderfully with a range of foods. We recommend:
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Chocolate-based cakes and desserts, to echo its rich cocoa notes.
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Almond or hazelnut pastries, which complement its soft nuttiness.
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Creamy cheeses, for a luxurious contrast that enhances the sweetness.
Because it’s grown amid lush natural forests and mountain springs, Las Isabellas carries faint botanical undertones that give it an elegant, almost floral depth, perfect for mindful moments or after-dinner indulgence.
The Terroir: Taste the Landscape of Apaneca
The unique taste of Las Isabellas is inseparable from its environment. The Apaneca region is known for its volcanic soils, rich in minerals and nutrients that nourish the coffee trees. The high altitude and cool climate slow cherry development, allowing the beans to grow denser and more complex.
Meanwhile, the farm’s natural forest canopy provides shade and biodiversity, while the mountain springs and waterfalls ensure the coffee plants are nourished with pure, fresh water. These natural factors come together to give Las Isabellas its remarkable balance, a cup that’s clean, sweet, and full of life.
A Commitment to Sustainability
At Coffee Collective, we’re proud to partner with producers like José Roberto Santamaria and his team at Las Isabellas, who share our dedication to ethical sourcing. Their Rainforest Alliance certification and participation in the Blue Harvest Project ensure that every bag of coffee supports sustainable land use, fair labour practices, and thriving ecosystems.
When you choose Las Isabellas, you’re not only enjoying a delicious coffee, you’re helping to protect forests, water systems, and livelihoods in one of the world’s most beautiful coffee regions.
Experience the World’s Finest Flavours with Coffee Collective
Ready to taste the difference that true craftsmanship makes? Discover our Las Isabellas, a beautifully balanced coffee from El Salvador, bursting with notes of plum and chocolate. It’s just one of the many exceptional single-origin coffees we’re proud to share with you at Coffee Collective.
Explore our full range of speciality coffees, each ethically sourced and expertly roasted to bring out its unique character. Want to keep your coffee moments fresh and exciting? Join our Coffee of the Month Club and enjoy hand-selected beans delivered straight to your door, freshly roasted and full of flavour.
Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast, filter devotee or just starting your coffee journey, our team is here to help you find your perfect cup. Contact us today or visit Coffee Collective to explore, subscribe, and taste something truly extraordinary.
Author Bio
I'm Laura, the founder and owner of Coffee Collective UK Ltd. My journey began with a simple yet profound love for coffee - I mean, I really love coffee. My day doesn't truly begin until I've savoured my first latte. This passion led me to create Coffee Collective UK Ltd., a place where fellow coffee enthusiasts can find their perfect brew.
At Coffee Collective, I believe that every coffee lover deserves a personalised experience. That's why I partner with a renowned UK roastery to ensure each bean is roasted to perfection and ground to match every customer's unique preference. Whether you like your coffee bold and strong, or smooth and mellow, I've got you covered.
My mission is to share the joy and versatility of this wonderful bean with everyone who walks through our doors. From the first sip of the morning to the last cup of the day, I aim to make every coffee moment special. So, come join me on this delightful journey and discover the magic of coffee crafted just for you.