Costa Rica Sonora - Honey Natural
Shade Grown, Micro Lot, Single Family Farm
Sweet, Cherry, Chocolate, Hazelnut
Hacienda Sonora is located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, at the foot of the Poas Volcano.
The farm's area is approximately 247 acres, which is composed of 136 acres of shaded coffee, 86 acres of wild forest reserve, and 25 acres of sugar cane.
Alberto Guardia began growing coffee at Hacienda Sonora 45 years ago.
His son Diego was born and raised on Sonora and then left to earn a Mechanical Engineering degree at San Diego State University.
After graduating, he worked for two years as a construction engineer in California, before returning home to work with his father to improve and maintain the farm's operation.
Honey Natural is a blend of 50% honey processed coffee and 50% natural processed coffee.
The honey process means that the coffee beans were processed with 100% of the mucilage still intact.
The natural process means that the ripe coffee cherries are dried in the sun prior to pulping.
Honey Natural is a dry-mill blend of all of Sonora's varietals and the above process styles which yields a uniquely amazing and very special cup!
General Flavor Observations
Costa Rica Sonora - Honey Natural
This Micro Lot Costa Rica coffee offers a smooth-bodied cup that is sweet and delicate, with a winey acidity and notes of cherry.
The blending of Honey and Natural processing methods provides enchanting sweetness, notes of chocolate, and nuanced fruit notes which complement the overall profile.
If you are a fan of Costa Rica and Central American coffees, this offering from Hacienda Sonora is a must!
On a side note: this coffee makes for an exceptional single-origin espresso and has been nicknamed "red gold" for the velvety crema it produces.
Roast Level Profile Notes
Costa Rica Sonora - Honey Natural
I found my favorite roast level to be
Full City for the best overall balance of profile and characteristics.
However, City Roast and Full City (+) Roast were both equally superb.
We are always happy to accommodate any roast level you prefer.
The notes below illustrate how changing the roast will alter the profile:
City Roast (light roast)
Offers a milder cup with plentiful notes of cocoa nibs and graham crackers.
The body is light and mellow with a sweet nuttiness that tapers to crisp, raspberry finish.
This is a perfect roast level for an 'easy' cup any time of day.
Full City Roast (medium roast) - Preferred
I found Full City to provide the best overall balance of characteristics.
The roast level offers a smooth, medium-bodied cup with base notes of chocolate, baking spice, and a nice hazelnut sweetness.
Fruity notes of cherry emerge at the peak of the profile and taper nicely to a crisp, winey finish.
The unique balance of flavors is wonderful and leaves you wanting another sip!
Full City (+) Roast
This roast level will present a more velvety cup with notes of dark chocolate and dark cherry.
The mouth-feel is silky with hints of toasted nuts and caramel.
While the acidity is tempered, the winey finish lingers, bringing you back for more.
Darker Roasts
Not recommended.
Additional Information
Costa Rica Sonora - Honey Natural
Hacienda Sonora coffee grows in an environment surrounded by exotic trees and vegetation, in rich volcanic soil.
Due to the farm's diverse ecosystem, many different species of birds and animals seek refuge here.
Hacienda Sonora is distinguished from many other farms as they provide free accommodation for each worker and their families at the farm's houses.
For each house, Hacienda Sonora covers the cost of water, trash allocation, and a portion of their electricity.
Every employee fully enjoys the benefits of the Costa Rica Health Insurance system.
- Origin: Costa Rica
- Region: Central Valley
- Traceable Producer: Alberto and Diego Guardia - Hacienda Sonora
- Processing: Natural and Honeyed
- Drying: Patio
- Elevation: 3,900 feet
- Varietal: Red Catuai, Yellow Catuai, Venecia, Borbon, Geisha, Villalobos and Villa Sarchi
