COSTA RICA CALLE LILES

Farm:  Finca Calle Liles, Las Lajas Micromill
Region: Sabanilla de Alajuela, Central Valley, Costa Rica
Altitude: 1400-1600 masl
Varietals:  Sarchimor
Harvest: December - April
Production Method: Black Diamond Natural

"Phenomenal." That's what our resident Q-grader said when we cupped this sublime coffee from acclaimed producers Oscar and Francesca Chacon. A tremendous sensory experience, there are almost too many tasting notes to name. That said, we think pineapple and dried cranberry, surrounded by a decadent fudge - are the most prominent descriptors - leading into a champagne-esque finish. This coffee is very sweet.

Third generation coffee producers, the Chacons are as good as it gets. Their experimentation has led to some of the best - and wildest - flavor profiles we've ever experienced. This coffee is the product of their Black Diamond process. If that sounds like Greek, don't worry. This is a natural aerobic process where only those with a high percentage of brix degrees (an approximation of sugar content) are chosen. So yes, this coffee is very sweet. After this they are transferred to the greenhouse patio for their dehydration. During the first week the cherries are placed in a thick layer, in order to ferment aerobically. After this first week the coffee is spread in a thin layer until the drying process is finished.