We believe this was the best coffee at the 2009 Costa Rica Cup of Excellence although it only came in 8th place.  That is why we payed  USD 7.10 per lb. for this coffee at the Cup of Excellence internet auction. The good thing is that 80% of that money goes directly to the Farmers and 20 % is to cover the cost of the Cup of Excellence auction and selection of coffees.

We are big fans of the Cup of Excellence system as we believe its focus on sustainability, quality and transparency is unique and we can clearly see that it paying higher prices for quality helps improve the quality of the coffee as well as the quality of living for the farmers.

To find out more about what the Cup of Excellence is about, visit their web page.

Producer: Lesmes Vega Navarro, Luis Fernando Blanco Zúñiga, Mireya Mora Cordero
Harvest: February – March 2009.
Origin: San Marcos de Tarrazú, Costa Rica.
Growing conditions: 1790 m.a.s. Some shade trees.
Farm size: -
Botanical variety: Caturra
Process: Washed. Sun dried on sement patio.

More information about the farm can be read here.

Taste description:
Aroma: Smell of chocolate, caramel and red berries.
Acidity: Delicate and balanced berrylike acidity.
Mouthfeel: Very soft and well balanced. Short but sweet aftertaste.
Flavour: A well balanced coffee with delicate flavours of milk chocolate, red berries and sweet kiwi.