LA BANDERA FORESTAL

Origin:

Tarrazu, Costa Rica

Roast: Filter

Producer:

Diego Hidalgo

Altitude: 1950 Meters

Varietal: Catuai

Process: Natural

In March 2024, we returned to La Bandera in the renowned region of Tarrazu, Costa Rica. Meeting Diego Hidalgo at his beautiful farm, found high on the verdant mountainside, the rich aroma of coffee drying in the sun was unmistakable. Diego prides himself on the careful processing and drying of his coffee, producing an exciting array of flavour. Our second lot for the season from La Bandera is this superb filter lot.

Produced by Diego Hidalgo in the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica, La Bandera Forestal represents a focused expression of the Catuai varietal. This lot is grown at 1950 masl and undergoes a natural process, a technique where the coffee cherry remains intact while drying to influence the final cup profile. Generally, natural-processed coffees are known for their heavier body and pronounced fruit-forward characteristics compared to washed counterparts.

Roasted by The Barn, this selection highlights the specific terroir of Tarrazu, an area renowned for its high-elevation coffee production. When evaluating the complexities of such a distinct lot, tasters often find it helpful to reference a flavor wheel to identify the nuanced notes developed during the drying phase. By maintaining the integrity of the cherry throughout the natural process, this coffee offers a unique look at how producer-led techniques shape the final sensory experience in the cup.