LA COLORETEADA - Costa Rica

La Coloreteada comes from the Brunca region of southern Costa Rica, where the Acuña family have been growing and exporting coffee for three generations. Their farm sits at 1,890 metres above sea level, close to Cerro Chirripó, where cool mountain air, steady rainfall and rich volcanic soils slow the cherry maturation and build clarity and structure in the cup.

This lot is Catuai, selectively hand-picked at peak ripeness before being density sorted and dried whole as a natural on raised beds for around twenty-two days. Slow, careful drying and constant monitoring help preserve vibrancy while developing sweetness and depth.

In the cup, it’s expressive but composed. We taste green mango and kaffir lime leaf up front, followed by dark cherry and sugar cane sweetness. As it cools, notes of amaretto and walnut bring a rounded, almost marzipan-like finish. It’s a natural with precision rather than heaviness.

Marespi oversee every stage of production, from cultivation through milling to export, allowing full traceability and meticulous quality control. Their long-term partnerships and focus on biodiversity and reduced chemical input reflect a thoughtful approach to farming that prioritises both flavour and sustainability.

We’ve roasted this to highlight its bright tropical acidity and layered sweetness. It shines as a filter, but pulls a complex, fruit-driven espresso for those who enjoy a more adventurous profile.

Cup score: 86.5