Costa Rica: Granitos de Altura del Ortiz, Typica Mejorado

Costa Rica: Granitos, Typica Mejorado

There's an immediate floral character here, delicate but expressive, sitting alongside an incredibly silky body. Lime zest and pink grapefruit bring plenty of freshness up front, balanced by a smooth cream-like sweetness through the middle of the cup. It all comes together in a lingering raspberry finish that's subtle, elegant and wonderfully well balanced.

The name "Granitos de Altura" translates to "High Altitude Little Beans", a nod to both the terrain and the fastidious care that defines their approach. This small but mighty operation is a shining example of Costa Rica’s micromill revolution. We've loved the Honey Process Catuai coffees we've had from Granitos, so this year we asked if they had any other varietals available for something a bit different. They recommended trying a couple of options, and this Typica Mejorado stood out on the cupping table.

World-Famous Tarrazú

The Tarrazú coffee region sits halfway down Costa Rica towards the western coast. The region is made up of the Dota, San Marcos (Tarrazú), and León Cortés cantons, threaded through by beautiful mountains that form part of the Talamanca Sierra. It is famous for producing some of the very best coffee in the country, with coffee production being the main industry for local residents of the Tarrazú canton, making up a whopping 95% of the local economy.

During the harvest in December, January, and February, the area’s population triples with seasonal workers needed to bring in the crop.

The mountain landscape provides perfect conditions for the production of high-quality specialty coffee. The plants thrive in fertile volcanic soils at an ideal average temperature of just under 20°C, with the steep slopes providing the right balance of high altitude for slow cherry maturation and shelter for delicate Arabica coffee trees. Tarrazú coffees are prized for their bright acidity, floral aromatics, and clean, sweet profiles.

The Calderón Family

Sitting at 1,800 to 2,000 metres above sea level in Tarrazú, you’ll find Granitos de Altura del Ortiz. The family-run micromill is managed by sisters Johana and Joyce Calderón, known for producing elegant, expressive Costa Rican coffees that reflect both the meticulous care that goes into growing and processing them and the exceptional local terroir.

The farm is a fine example of the characteristic cup profile gleaned from the cool mountain air and rich volcanic soils, ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation and more complex flavour development.

The mill was originally run by Joyce and Johana’s father, Omar Calderón, until they asked if they could take the reins. Since he said yes, just over a decade ago, the sisters have run the business with a deep commitment to quality over quantity. Omar still plays a vital role, managing the farms where the coffee is grown.

Rather than expanding production, Joyce focuses on refining every step of the process, from cherry selection to drying, to ensure each lot meets their exacting standards.

The family’s philosophy is rooted in connection: with the land, with the coffee, and with the people who come to visit and share in the experience.

“When the harvest is in full swing, the days are long and the workloads are heavy,” Joyce says. “But we’re energised by people visiting, sharing their time, and connecting over coffee.”

Granitos de Altura is also part of a wider movement in Costa Rica that champions traceability, sustainability, and women-led coffee businesses. While we source this coffee through our long-standing export partner, Exclusive Coffees, the Calderón family’s commitment to quality and transparency is clear in every lot. Their work reflects a new generation of producers who are elevating Costa Rican coffee through innovation, care, and connection, and we’re proud to share both their story and their coffee with you.

New Developments 

Roland’s last visit to Granitos was in 2024. The last couple of years have been relativel

Sourced from the renowned Tarrazú region of Costa Rica, this lot from Granitos de Altura del Ortiz showcases the distinct potential of the Typica Mejorado varietal. Grown at elevations between 1800 and 2000 masl, the coffee is presented here by Has Bean. Typica-derived cultivars are often celebrated for their complex acidity and refined structure, qualities that frequently appear on the flavor wheel as bright citrus or delicate floral notes.

In this specific offering, the profile balances vibrant acidity—characterized by lime zest, pink grapefruit, and raspberry—with a foundational cream-like sweetness. While floral aromatics are a hallmark of high-elevation Costa Rican coffees, the interplay between these bright fruit tones and a smooth, creamy body highlights the meticulous processing standards maintained by the producers at Granitos de Altura del Ortiz. It serves as a compelling example of how regional terroir and careful varietal selection converge to create a nuanced cup.