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Alejo Castro's story, rooted in the lush landscapes of Volcan Azul, Costa Rica, transcends mere coffee farming—it's a narrative woven with threads of resilience, heritage, and unwavering dedication. Across seven generations, his family's journey echoes through continents, from the rugged terrains of Mexico to the dense forests of Tanzania, before finding a home in the verdant hills of Costa Rica. Amidst the upheavals of history, from fleeing insurgents in Mexico to being displaced after World War II, the Castro family's commitment to coffee cultivation remained steadfast, a testament to their enduring spirit.
For Alejo, nurturing the plants that bear the family name isn't just about business; it's a sacred homage to the legacy of those who came before him—a legacy of excellence, perseverance, and the timeless artistry of coffee cultivation. Gesha coffee, renowned since its discovery in Ethiopia's Gori Gesha Forest in 1931, is celebrated for its wild, intense floral, and sweet notes. After being lost in Latin America, it reemerged in Panama in the mid-1990s, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world's finest coffee varieties.
We taste notes of Orange Blossom, Dried Cherries, and Peach.
Our brewing recommendation:
Dose: 21g
Ratio: 1:16.2
Grind: Fine
Bloom: 1:2 for 30s
Total Brew: 3:15
TDS: 1.5
Extraction: 21.41%We recommend a continuous pour to keep below 3:15. Longer brew times could easily over-extract.
Well-dialed cups of Aril highlight the unique fermentation and processing combination of this Panamanian gesha. With an extended Carbonic Maceration combined with a washed finish, you’ll find this coffee to be exceptionally bright and lively compared to more delicate expressions of gesha. The result is a flavor profile of ripe tropical fruit like pineapple and mango, with some strawberry-like sweetness. You should expect a crisp, clear expression of fruit flavor rather than a syrupy or heavy-bodied one. The brightness and clarity in the cup also allows the floral and slightly citric notes to shine all the way through to the aftertaste.
Los Bellotos Bernardina are defined by their rich sweetness and creamy texture. There’s also a unique and pleasant contrast between the upfront flavor profile and the finish. At the front, you’ll notice more fruit-forward notes of concord grape, kiwi, and green apple – sweetness and malic acidity pairing well together. Towards the end and into the aftertaste, the flavors transition to more caramel, cola, and hazelnut-like notes.
