Brumas del Zurquí Ethiopia Washed

This unique coffee is an Ethiopian heirloom transplanted to Costa Rica. We found aromas of candied almond, hyacinth, toffee, and cherry, followed by notes of semi-sweet chocolate and green grape in the brewed cup. The rich body is balanced by clementine acidity, with a lingering aftertaste of rosemary, orange zest, and walnut.

Details

Producer: Juan Ramón Alvarado Farm: Finca Brumas del Zurquí Region: Heredia Altitude: 1,650 MASL Varietal: Ethiopian Heirloom Process: Washed Roast: Light-Medium Notes: Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Green Grape, Orange Zest

The Story

Juan Ramón Alvarado is a fourth-generation farmer and the current caretaker of Finca Brumas del Zurquí, a 125-year-old farm in Costa Rica’s Heredia canton, just outside San Jose. Now a specialty coffee estate focused on regenerative agriculture, Finca Brumas del Zurquí has evolved significantly over the years. Alvarado exclusively uses eco-friendly products on his land, adhering to strict ecological standards to benefit the environment and improve the quality and yield of his coffee.

Juan and his family began expanding their processing infrastructure in 2003-2004, building a mill, cupping laboratory, and roastery to maintain quality control. In the past few years they have faced labor shortages due to both the pandemic and workers moving to other countries in search of other employment. However, Juan takes great pride in what he does and is glad to have been able to build a family and provide a positive social and economic impact to his community through coffee.

Our COO and green coffee buyer met Juan Ramón Alvarado at the 2024 Coffee Expo in Houston, introduced by our longtime Direct Trade partner Juan Diego de la Cerda of Finca El Socorro. We look forward to visiting the farm in 2026 to solidify a new Direct Trade relationship!

The Brumas del Zurquí Ethiopia Washed, produced by Juan Ramón Alvarado in the Heredia region of Costa Rica, offers a unique look at how specific varietals adapt to new environments. By cultivating Ethiopian Heirloom trees at 1650 masl, Alvarado highlights the versatility of these plants outside their native geography. This lot is prepared using the washed process, a method typically employed to emphasize a clean, crisp acidity and refined clarity in the cup.

Roasted by PT's Coffee Roasting, this coffee presents a profile defined by semi-sweet chocolate, green grape, and orange zest. While washed coffees are often celebrated for their bright, structured profiles, the interplay between these specific notes can be explored further using the flavor wheel. This selection serves as a compelling example of how careful cultivation and processing techniques can bridge the gap between traditional heirloom characteristics and the distinct terroir of the Heredia highlands.