COSTA RICA SHB BLACK HONEY

Roast        Medium / All Brewing Method
Region      Parritilla, Aserri
Varietal    Caturra
Altitude    1500 – 1700
Process     Honey Processed
Grade         Strictly Hard Bean
Farm          Finca Parritilla
Farm Size    20 hectares
Cooperative ASOPROAAA
Cup Score   84

Tasting Notes
Flavours of plum, black currant, soft wine, red berries and red grape. Tart berry and red grape acidity linger throughout. Vibrant silky medium body and coating toffee in the finish.

Harvested from Finca Parritilla in the highly prized Tarrazu region, this coffee has been grown and processed by William Mora Merno who is a member of the ASOPROAAA Cooperative. The farm was named after the town in which is located. Finca Parritilla was purchased by the Merno family 35 years ago. Originally the farm was planted with other crops however, today, coffee production accounts for 80 percent of the 20 hectare farm. Great care is taken to continually improve the quality of the coffee grown at Finca Parritilla, and the farm also employs sustainable production methods to improve soil recuperation and flora and fauna conservation.

The Tarrazu area is a sanctuary of native flora and fauna and produces some of the best coffee in Costa Rica. The region is characterised by two well-defined seasons; a wet season lasting seven months from May to November, and a dry season lasting from December to April. These conditions favour the blossoming of coffee. The cultivation of coffee is fundamental to the socio-economic growth of the region, and producers dedicate their lives to the plantations they nurture.

The Asociación de Productores Agropecuarios de Acosta y Aserri (ASOPROAAA) Cooperative was born as a result of the devastating consequences of Hurricane Mitch. After the storm wiped out the agricultural production systems of the Aserri and Acosta sub-regions, ASOPROAAA was formed to help get coffee farmers back into production and promote sustainable production. Today, the coop represents more than 1000 smallholder farmers and is recognised internationally as a quality coffee producer. This reputation has resulted in higher prices and financial stability for farmers. The coop has built a wet mill to increase production volume and improve quality, and regularly host intensive training events for member families. The coop won the Costa Rica COE competition in 2007, and has been the recipient of various awards in recent years.