Costa Rica – Don Joel – Kenia SL 28 (WH)

Don Joel is a modest 12 hectare farm located in the scenic West Valley region of Costa Rica.   In the past we have typically purchased coffee from Tarrazu, but from time to time we do purchase lot’s from West Valley producers.

Despite its modest size, Don Joel yields around 350 fanegas (a Costa Rican term to measure weight of coffee harvested) per harvest.  With it’s own washing station,  quality parameters are further controlled and integrated into the operation.   Allan Oviedo, the proud owner of the Don Joel farm for more then a decade now, manages farm operations together with his son Ignacio.

The majority of the coffee grown at Don Joel is the Kenia variety (SL-28) which is showcased in this special white honey lot.   Costa Rica is famous for it’s honeyed coffee which following harvest, coffee cherries are depulped and mechanically washed, leaving minimal mucilage on each bean.

As climate change increases, Costa Rican producers are beginning to shift more and more towards mechanical drying of coffee, away from the raised bed or patio drying that farmers have traditionally upon due to sunny and dry weather during summer harvest.  This season’s erratic and untimely rainfall has prompted farmers to explore alternative drying techniques to ensure that the coffee realized optimal preparation.

About The Farm:

Producer:   Allan Oviedo

Region:        West Valley, Grecian

Variety:       SL-28

Elevation:    1,600  Meters Above Sea Level

Process:     White Honey,  Mechanical Dryer