At the peak of the 2009 harvest we had a large Costa Rica estate cupping and selected two coffees. Two were needed because each was in very limited supply. We are now pleased to introduce Finca Chepe, a microlot of coffee produced in the small region called Llano Bonito de Naranjo. This is coffee produced on a single, family-owned farm at an altitude of 5500 feet high in the pristine West Valley.  Of note is the coordinated effort of both the farm where the coffee is grown and the mill where it is processed; where the freshly harvested coffee cherries are converted into green coffee ready for roasting. Firstly, the farm is owned by Jose Arce and the coffee varietal selected is 100% caturra, a natural mutation of classic Bourbon. The farm produces a mere 80 to 100 bags of coffee per year, about one third of a shipping container. Secondly, the mill, called Helsar de Zarcero, is really referred to as a boutique or micro mill because of the care and individual attention brought to the processing of coffee cherry brought there. The mill works closely with a group of about ten area growers, such as Finca Chepe, combining extra care at the farm level with methods and techniques of the utmost quality at the mill level, all toward maximizing the the inherent nature of the coffee.
The Helsar de Zarcero mill is owned by Ricardo Perez and Felipe and Marvin Rodrizuez who, in addition to owning and running the mill, are themselves growers. The processing is fully washed, employing traditional fermentation techniques, however, the mill is unique in its use covered tents utilized when drying the coffee in its parchment skin. Ordinarily, coffee is dried on concrete patios in sun and sometimes rain. The tents act as greenhouses, protecting the coffee from rain. Both farm and mill are fully traceable. This coffee has been stored at our facility in ideal conditions. Cup Characteristics: Extremely bright and fruity with substantial body. Lush, refreshing and piquant. Layers of fruit-filled flavors, with just the right amount of snap; harmoniously balanced. Roasting Notes: Very dense, hard bean can withstand a lot of heat. Best to start slow letting the beans heat thoroughly, then ample heat can be applied. Approach Full City for broad flavor definition.
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| Pounds | Price LB |
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| 1 | $6.71 | | 2-4 | $6.37 | | 5-19 | $6.04 | | 20+ | $5.37 |
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