Costa Rica Calle Copey Honey

Our second Costa Rican release of the year comes from our long-time Direct Trade partners at Coopedota, a farmer cooperative in Dota, San José, renowned for bringing some of the country's best coffees to market. Our partnership started in 2005, and we have continued to receive excellent coffee year after year. With a history of being at the forefront of innovation, each lot we source is processed at Coopedota's carbon-neutral mill.

During our visit earlier this year, this particular lot stood out: a blend of Caturra and Catuaí grown by eight neighboring farmers and processed in the honey style, which leaves more of the coffee pulp intact during the washing and drying phases. The resulting cup is full of lasting and complex sweetness.

The Costa Rica Calle Copey Honey, sourced by Intelligentsia Coffee, represents a focused expression of the Dota, San José region. Produced by Coopedota, this lot features the Caturra varietal, a plant widely recognized for its adaptability and consistent cup quality. By utilizing the honey process—a method where a portion of the fruit’s mucilage remains on the bean during drying—producers can influence the final profile, often resulting in a distinct sweetness and syrupy body that bridges the gap between washed and natural coffees.

When evaluating such specific regional offerings, enthusiasts often consult the flavor wheel to identify the nuanced characteristics imparted by both the terroir and the processing technique. Because honey-processed coffees retain more sugars than their fully washed counterparts, they frequently exhibit a complex balance of acidity and depth. This particular selection highlights the collaborative efforts of the Coopedota cooperative in maintaining high standards within the Costa Rican coffee landscape.