About This Coffee
El Socorro is a family farm with deep roots and a forward-thinking approach to coffee. While the land has been connected to the Colom family for generations, the modern chapter of El Socorro began in 1968 when Dr. Mario de la Cerda and his wife, María Colom, reclaimed the property and brought it back into the family. In 1980, their son Juan de la Cerda Colom planted coffee for the first time, guided by a simple but powerful principle passed down from his father: never grow at the expense of sustainability or financial stability.
That philosophy continues today. In 1999, the third generation, led by Diego de la Cerda, began modernizing the farm with a focus on quality, precision, and thoughtful processing. El Socorro quickly became known for producing exceptional coffees across a wide range of varieties, including this expressive Maracaturra. Today, Juan de la Cerda and his son Juan Diego carry the work forward, representing the fourth generation dedicated to excellence at origin.
Quality at El Socorro is intentional and holistic. From plant health and picking protocols to fermentation and drying, every step is carefully managed. The farm operates an ecological wet mill that dry-depulps cherries and reuses water throughout processing. Since 2005, the team has also refined fermentation techniques using hot water to create consistency and clarity in the cup. Coffees are dried on patios and in greenhouses to ensure even drying and stability.
Just as important as quality is stewardship. More than half of the farm is preserved as natural forest, with native trees providing shade, protecting biodiversity, and maintaining healthy soil. Solar panels power much of the farm’s equipment, and traditional shade-grown practices help protect the land for future generations.
This Maracaturra reflects everything El Socorro stands for: intention, balance, and long-term care. It’s a coffee shaped by generations of experience, a deep respect for the land, and a relentless pursuit of quality—one that continues to put El Socorro on the map year after year.
