Lica Torres - Natural SL28

MEET THE PRODUCER | Nestled at the foot of Chirripo Volcano, the three-hectare farm owned by Lica Torres and his family is one of only a few such courageous endeavors in Brunca, the southernmost coffee-growing region in Costa Rica. Conditions there aren't exactly idyllic; the soil is rocky, the incline steep, and the weather is often either a little too hot or a little too cold to grow any particular crop with tremendous success. Lica's father initially planted pine trees on the farm, but farming wood is a slow-going process that doesn't yield dividends very quickly. 

Enter: Lica's big idea.

In 2020, Lica began to notice other families in the area growing coffee with some success, and he had just been introduced to a new, experimental hybrid variety called Milenio, which was being planted at lower elevations in Brunca. Lica decided to take a big risk and plant Milenio trees on his farm, which sits between 1500–1600 MASL. The result looked promising even after the first year, and Lica has since endeavored to cultivate other coffee varieties at elevation—including our beloved birthday month feature, SL28! We have featured Lica’s Milenio crop on our menu before, and we could not be more excited to share his latest triumph—featuring one of our favorite varieties—with you today.

TRUST THE PROCESS | After being handpicked at peak ripeness, whole coffee cherries are floated to remove lower density beans and promptly spread out in thick layers on raised beds. They remain there for 18 days, being rotated and stirred regularly to ensure even drying. On day 19, the whole lot is transferred to covered patios to complete the drying process, which takes an additional 10–12 days based on temperature and humidity.

TAKE A SIP | As far as flavor is concerned, this cup is composed of about equal parts variety and processing, showcasing both in delicious ways. Red and tropical fruits headline the tasting experience, with tart berries (like currant) making a special guest appearance. There’s a hint of baking spice on the finish and a somewhat unexpected floral quality in the cup, making this a truly unique natural-processed coffee, grown under a truly unique set of circumstances.

Origin | Rivas, Brunca, Costa Rica

Producer | Don Lica Torres

Farm | Cerro Buena Vista

Process | Natural

Variety | SL28

Elevation | 1600 MASL

Produced by Don Lica Torres in the Rivas region of Brunca, this Costa Rica offering showcases the distinct potential of the SL28 varietal when grown in Central American soil. While this cultivar is historically associated with Kenyan production, its adaptation to the 1500–1600 masl environment of the Brunca region highlights the versatility of the plant. Processed as a natural, this coffee is roasted by Black & White Coffee Roasters to highlight a complex profile of red and tropical fruits, tart berries, currant, baking spice, and floral aromatics.

Natural-processed coffees often undergo extended drying periods, which can impart heavier fruit-forward characteristics and increased sweetness compared to washed counterparts. When evaluating these nuanced layers of acidity and spice, drinkers may find it helpful to reference the flavor wheel to better identify the specific fruit and spice notes present in this unique lot.