​Episode 459 on Monday the 28th of August, 2017. Costa Rica Vista al Valle Finca La Casa Yellow Honey

In My Mug

From the same region in Costa Rica that gives us the wonder of Finca Licho (i.e. the Western Valley in Lordes de Naranjo, in case you're wondering), I'm so excited to have Finca La Casa Vista al Valle back for 2017 to share with you once more.

Located between 1,500 and 1,600 metres above sea level and owned in partnership by Oldemar Arrieta Lobo and Marlene Brenes Morera, the name 'Vista al Valle' translates as 'view of the valley'. I'm sure you'll understand why if you take a look at some of the pictures on the left of this page.

Oldemar and Marlene are also processing this coffee using a virtually brand new micro mill, which is in only its fourth year of production. They both learnt their skills while working for other people, but now they have a mill of their own. They own three farms: this one surrounds the home where they live, and the other farms are called Zapote and Fidel. Fidel won the Costa Rican Cup of Excellence two years ago!

The varietals on this farm are Villa Sarchi and Caturra. They use the sun-dried processing method in their poly tunnel, and the Yellow Honey process.

In the cup this coffee starts out with both the texture and taste of single cream, and then shifts to sweet segments of mandarin. On the aftertaste the cream returns to round out a very well balanced cup.

• Country: Costa Rica
• Region: Western Valley
• Micro-region: Naranjo, Lourdes
• City: Naranjo de Alajuela
• Farm: Finca La Casa
• Micro mill: Vista al Valle
• Farmer: Oldemar Arrieta Lobo and Marlene Brenes Morera
• Farm size: 20 hectares
• Coffee growing area: 15 hectares
• Altitude: 1,500–1,600 m.a.s.l.
• Varietals: Villa Sarchí and Caturra
• Drying method: Poly tunnel, sun dried
• Processing system: Yellow honey