It’s been some time since we sourced Costa Rican coffee. I’ve felt that often times they have been somewhat overpriced for the quality and I’ve steered away from them but it was time for a revisit.
This Red Honey from Finca Las Casuarias in Naranjo is a rich and complex coffee with abundant fruit and chocolate overtones.
Just to be clear there is no honey in the coffee! The honey process is where the fruity mucilage is allowed to dry on the bean in varying levels – heavy levels of fruit remaining go from Black to Red to Yellow to White with white honey being the least. This process mutes the high notes created from fully washing arabica coffees and adds levels of fruity body and flavor and reduces acidity. This makes honey processed coffees particularly good for espresso preparation and I find them exceptional in a moka pot! (stovetop espresso, Bialetti – whatever you prefer to call them) – Mick Hill, CEO / Head Coffee Buyer
Brewing recommendations: Espresso, Pour Over, French Press
Wendy Andrews (verified owner) –
In my first order from Telluride Roasters, having found the Hazelnut variety I was specifically looking for, I purchased another three roasts out of excited curiosity.
I tried the hazelnut immediately and was quite happy (future review coming). Then I tried the Costa Rica Red Honey. Bottom line: If you want to try the Costa Rica Red Honey, I highly recommend purchasing the 6 oz. trial size first.
Through the transparent window on the 6 oz pouch, I was immediately dubious to see surprisingly light-colored beans that were notably dry. Generally, I choose greasy beans because the flavor of the coffee, any roast really, tends to be pretty reliable. This discriminatory practice is tough when buying online, of course, and I hoped my prejudgement would be proven wrong. But when I opened the bag to brew a morning pour-over, the sour aroma hinted at the disappointing flavor soon to follow.
I drank a cup black (which is oddly more palatable to me than my favorite creamy version when the coffee is mediocre) and couldn’t finish it. It carried that sadly familiar sourness that’s impossible to ignore if the coffee temp drops below 130 degrees or so. It was reminiscent of so many promising coffee shops that served up extremely dissatisfying $4 cups of craft joe. I don’t expect I can salvage the remainder of the bag; I don’t know who I would give it to either.
Mick Hill –
Hi Wendy, I’m sorry you didn’t care for the Costa Rica Red Honey – it’s one of our favorites. It seems you are a dark roast and a flavored drinker so it’s not your profile. We aim for a light roast on our single origins not a dark (greasy) roast as that way you can taste all the flavors of the coffee not just the darkness but I understand it wasn’t for you! I’m happy to replace it with seomthing else if you’d be willing to contribute to the shipping cost. Let me know please. We appreciate the business. Best regards
Mick
Christopher Wall (verified owner) –
the coffee itself is fine…just not the flavor profile I can really enjoy..personally…looking forward to tasting other flavors still.
Brian Harding (verified owner) –
It’s 2:30pm and I’m drinking a cup now….perfect afternoon brew, light but extremely flavorful will be ordering again.!
Andreas in Santa Fe (verified owner) –
Big fan of central american coffees lately. This costa rican might be compared to the breakfast blend or the Peru – bright, fruity, with some mellow chocolate on the finish. Excellent coffee, if those flavor profiles are your kind of thing. If you prefer a french roast or something dark, I might pass on this bean.
10/10 would buy more than 6 oz next time.
Chris Crow (verified owner) –
The Costa Rica Red Honey has a very light flavor that is very enjoyable for some mornings. This coffee does get lost with added flavorings. It was most enjoyable black. For me this is an added favorite next to the Colombian Supremo.
Sue McKenney (verified owner) –
I have an espresso machine so these beans were only used for shots of espresso. This has become my favorite bean. It is rich and smooth. Friends who I make cappuccinos for have raved about it. I started panicking when I couldn’t order my full 5# bag because it was out of stock. I was relieved to find out they just needed to roast some more! Keep it coming!!!!