H1 - Costa Rica - Monte Brisas

Description

This Costa Rican lot brings plenty of sweetness and a good sense of depth. It shows how well the H1 variety can perform when it is grown with attention and allowed to mature slowly. The H1 variety, a hybrid of Sudan Rume and Sarchimor, stood out with bright acidity and remarkable complexity.

The high elevation at 1750 m.a.s.l. gives the beans a bright structure, while the climate in Zarcero adds a gentle ripeness that rounds out the profile. Region Zarcero de Alajuela in the Central Valley. Produced at Monte Brisas by Maria Elena Castro and Luis Salazar. The combination of careful farming, thoughtful processing and the natural advantages of the West Valley makes this coffee a focused and expressive take on Costa Rican terroir.

Process

Washed

In the cup

Very clean and bright, gently complex, yellow cherry and a hint of dragon fruit.

Roast level

Light roast

Suitable for

Filter coffee and espresso

Cupping score

87

Harvest

2025

Background

Zarcero is better known for dairy, and the Salazar Castro family originally ran a dairy farm before shifting part of their focus to coffee. The move came from Doña Maria Elena, who chose to invest in cultivation and build something long term. In 2011 the family opened their own micro mill, Monte Brisas, which allowed them to take full control of quality and processing.

Her farm, Finca La Salaca, sits at 1750 metres on the green slopes of Zarcero in the West Valley. The Pacific has a strong influence on this region and the landscape opens toward Naranjo and Alajuela. Doña Maria Elena is part of a group of women shaping Costa Rican coffee through hands on work in farming, processing and marketing. She runs daily operations with support from her daughter in law Maricruz. Her son Luis teaches at the local school in Zarcero and steps into a key role during the harvest, helping manage both the farms and the mill.