Costa Rica | Finca Toño | Sarchimor | Yellow Honey

Region: Los Robles de Naranjo, West Valley

Elevation: 1500 masl 

About: The Aguilera Brothers have established themselves as a coffee-growing dynasty in the West Valley region of Costa Rica. The 12 siblings have been growing coffee in the region for more than 60 years, with a focus on specialty for the past two decades. Across their family farms, they produce more than 35 varieties through various processing methods, all handled at the family’s own micro-mill. Finca Toño is the closest farm to the mill and is affectionately named after one of the brothers, Antonio Aguilera, or Toño. 

In addition to their work in coffee, the Aguilera family, like many families in Central America, are passionate about football and have built their own pitch at the farm. Outside the harvest season, the Aguileras often gather at Finca Toño on weekends for football and time with family. During the harvest, the pitch becomes a large drying patio for naturally processed coffees. 

The Aguileras are dedicated to producing the highest-quality coffees possible and consistently place in the Costa Rica Cup of Excellence competition. Most recently, the family placed in the 2023 COE with a coffee from Finca Toño.

Sourced from the Los Robles de Naranjo area of the West Valley, this Costa Rica Finca Toño lot represents a collaboration with the Aguilera Brothers. The coffee features the Sarchimor varietal, a hybrid known for its resilience and productivity, cultivated at 1500 masl. Proud Mary Coffee has selected this specific harvest for its distinct Yellow Honey processing.

In the context of coffee production, honey processing involves leaving a portion of the mucilage on the bean during drying, which often results in a balanced profile that bridges the gap between washed and natural methods. While washed coffees typically emphasize acidity and clarity, honey-processed lots often exhibit increased sweetness and a syrupy body. To better understand the nuances of these profiles, one might consult the flavor wheel to identify the specific characteristics that emerge from this unique combination of varietal and processing technique.