Carrier Wave is a washed El Salvador from the Ahuachapán region, made from Red Bourbon, Pacas and Cuscatleco grown at 1,000 to 1,400 meters.
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Milk chocolate, caramel, stone fruit
- Origin
- Ahuachapán, El Salvador
- Process
- Washed
- Roast
- Medium
- Roaster
- Highwire Coffee Roasters
Roast level
About this coffee
What the roaster tells us.
Carrier Wave is a washed El Salvador from the Ahuachapán region, made from Red Bourbon, Pacas and Cuscatleco grown at 1,000 to 1,400 meters. Highwire roasts it medium, and the notes are creamy milk chocolate and sweet caramel with a touch of ripe stone fruit. It’s rated 4.8 out of 5 from 15 reviews on Trade Coffee. If you want an everyday cup that’s easy to like but not boring, pick this one.
Product details checked 2026-10-20. Roaster descriptions can change between lots. Tasting notes describe sensory impressions, not a guarantee of how your brew will taste.
Where it’s from
Ahuachapán, El Salvador
RoasterHighwire Coffee Roasters
OriginAhuachapán, El Salvador
ProcessWashed
RoastMedium
From farm to cup
Where it grew, how it was made, how it’s roasted.
Straight from the roaster’s listing — no guesswork added.
Step 01 · OriginGrown
Ahuachapán, El Salvador
Step 02 · ProcessProcessed
Washed
Step 03 · RoastRoasted
Medium
Before you buy
Is it right for you?
You’ll like it if…
- You enjoy bright, fruity coffees.
- You like chocolatey, comforting cups.
- You like sweet, nutty or caramel flavors.
- You want a balanced, medium-roast cup that works with or without milk.
The details
- Variety
- Red Bourbon, Pacas, Cuscatleco
- Altitude
- 1,000–1,400 m
- Bag size
- 10.9 oz bag
- Price
- $16.99
- Price per ounce
- $1.55 per oz
From the roaster’s listing, checked October 20, 2026. Prices change.
About coffee from El Salvador
El Salvador is known for Bourbon coffee and for two varieties that originated there: Pacas and Pacamara. Salvadoran coffees are often sweet and round, with chocolate, caramel and stone fruit.
What the process means
In a washed process, the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries. Washed coffees tend to taste clean and bright, and show off the character of the origin.
How to brew it
Starting recipes for this roast level. Adjust grind and ratio to taste; the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
| Method | Coffee | Water | Grind | Water temp | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-over Our pick | 15 g | 250 g | Medium-fine | 93°C / 200°F | 2:30–3:30 |
| French press | 30 g | 500 g | Coarse | 93°C / 200°F | 4 minutes |
| Cold brew | 100 g | 800 g | Coarse | Cold water | 12–18 hours in the fridge |
The people behind this coffee
Meet Highwire Coffee Roasters
Rich Avella, Eric Hashimoto and Robert Myers founded Highwire in Oakland, California, in 2011. The roaster is known for close attention to detail and roast development, and its tenant roasting program rents out space in its facility to help newer roasters get started. Highwire's coffees are sold nationwide through Trade Coffee.
All Highwire Coffee Roasters coffees
Espresso starting point
Dial it in
A 1:2 dose-to-yield ratio is a common place to start. Adjust grind and taste — the roaster’s own guidance always wins.
In18g
Out36g
Time25–30s
Compare
Similar coffees from other roasters
| Coffee | Roast | Origin | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave This coffee | Medium | Ahuachapán, El Salvador | Milk chocolate, caramel, stone fruit |
| Big Island Coffee Roasters Io Espresso Blend | Medium | Central & South America | Milk chocolate, fig, orange zest, toffee |
| Coffee Bros. Cold Brew Coffee Blend | Medium | Brazil, Ethiopia | Dark chocolate, berry, brown sugar |
| Magnolia Coffee Jade Espresso | Medium | — | Caramel, chocolate, stone fruit |
Questions
Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave FAQ
What does Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave taste like?
Highwire Coffee Roasters lists tasting notes of milk chocolate, caramel and stone fruit. It's a medium roast.
Where does Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave come from?
It comes from Ahuachapán, El Salvador. It was grown at 1,000–1,400 m.
How is Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave processed?
The roaster lists the process as washed. In a washed process, the fruit is removed from the bean before it dries.
Is Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave good for espresso?
It can work as espresso. Start around a 1:2 ratio, such as 18 grams in and 36 grams out, and adjust the grind to taste.
What's the best way to brew Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave?
A good starting point is pour-over: 15 g of coffee to 250 g of water, medium-fine grind, water at 93°C / 200°F, about 2:30–3:30. Adjust to taste.
Where can I buy Highwire Coffee Roasters Carrier Wave?
You can buy it from Trade Coffee. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you order.
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Carrier WaveMilk chocolate, caramel, stone fruit
Shop at Highwire Coffee Roasters