Costa Rica
Costa Rican coffee is celebrated for its bright acidity, clean flavor, and well-balanced body. It’s a favorite among coffee connoisseurs for its dynamic and nuanced profile, often offering a sweeter and livelier cup. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Costa Rican coffee flavor profile:
1. Bright Acidity
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Crisp and Vibrant: Costa Rican coffee is known for its lively, bright acidity, often described as tangy or citrusy. It is one of the defining characteristics of this coffee, providing a refreshing, clean taste.
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Fruit-forward: The acidity can resemble flavors like lemon, lime, or green apple, giving it a zesty, uplifting flavor that doesn’t overpower the other notes.
2. Flavor Notes
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Citrus: One of the most prominent notes is citrus, such as lemon, orange, or grapefruit. The bright, tangy citrus notes add a delightful layer of freshness and vibrancy to the coffee.
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Berry: Some Costa Rican coffees, particularly from regions like Tarrazú, are known for berry-like flavors, such as blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry. This adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
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Tropical Fruits: Depending on the specific region, you might also notice tropical fruit flavors like pineapple, mango, or papaya, which contribute to the coffee’s fruit-forward nature.
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Honey and Brown Sugar: Many Costa Rican coffees have a mild sweetness, with honey or brown sugar undertones that round out the acidity and add depth.
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Nutty: Subtle nutty flavors like almond or hazelnut can also be present, contributing to the overall smoothness and well-rounded profile.
3. Body and Mouthfeel
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Medium to Full-Bodied: Costa Rican coffee typically has a medium body, which gives it a smooth, well-rounded feel on the palate without being too heavy.
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The mouthfeel is generally silky and clean, allowing the bright acidity and fruity notes to shine through without being overwhelming.
4. Aftertaste
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Crisp and Clean: The aftertaste is often described as clean, refreshing, and pleasantly lingering, with a subtle sweetness and fruitiness that stays on the palate.
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The clean finish is one of the reasons Costa Rican coffee is often considered easy to drink, even for beginners.
5. Low to Medium Acidity (depending on the region)
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Highland regions, like Tarrazú and Central Valley, are known for their high acidity and vibrant, fruit-forward flavors.
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Lower-altitude regions tend to produce coffees with milder acidity but still retain a bright, clean profile.
6. Specialty Regions and Notes
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Tarrazú: Known for producing some of the highest quality beans, Tarrazú coffees tend to have bright citrus, apple-like acidity, and a rich, clean finish with complex fruity notes.
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Central Valley: Offers a balanced cup with mild citrus acidity, subtle floral undertones, and a smooth, rounded body.
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Heredia and Alajuela: These regions can provide floral and honeyed notes, with a rich but light body, and slightly less pronounced acidity.
Roast: Medium
Tasting Profile: Sweet apple, raisin, honey
Grower: Micro farms in Alajuela
Variety: Caturra & Catuai
Region: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Altitude: 1300-1445 M
Soil Type: Volcanic Loam
Process: Eco-pulped and dried in the sun.