Costa Rica - Alejo Castro

"This coffee comes from Alejo Castro of Volcan Azul, a fifth-generation coffee producer in Costa Rica known for combining family tradition with careful experimentation. The Volcancito Blend is an estate blend sourced from Alejo's farms across Costa Rica's West and Central Valley regions, including Volcan Azul, Volcancito, and Hacienda Colima. These regions are shaped by volcanic soil, high elevation, and cooler growing conditions, creating coffees with layered fruit character, balanced acidity, and a clean sweetness. For this lot, mixed varieties were naturally processed and dried with controlled mechanical drying. Alejo's approach to processing is experimental, but always grounded in repeatability and balance. Rather than pushing fermentation only for intensity, his goal is to create coffees that are bright, sweet, layered, and expressive of both terroir and variety. In the cup, this coffee is rich and fruit-forward, with notes of red wine, black cardamom, and cherry compote. A gentle winey acidity gives the coffee lift, while the finish stays sweet and rounded."