Hacienda Sonora is one of the leading specialty coffee farms in Costa Rica. They are working with more than 20 varietals with several unique processing methods. The farm has been in the Guardia family for more than 100 years but has focused exclusively on specialty coffee since 1999. Despite the historically low coffee prices throughout 1999 and the early 2000s, Alberto invested extensively in improving the quality of his coffees by purchasing his own mill and developing unique honey and natural process methods for his coffees. This coffee, in particular, was dried using a "Piramide" process, where the coffees are covered early in the afternoon when the temperature is hot, then piled up in a pyramid layered way to modulate the temperature of the cherries throughout the day. This helps to even out the fermentation and avoid the development of "boozy" flavors sometimes associated with naturals. These evolving tactics, plus their impeccable organization and dedication to sustainability, make this one of the most progressive farms in Costa Rica. 

Roast Profile: Light Roast

Producer: Alberto and Diego Guardiia

Farm: Hacienda Sonora

Region: Alajuela, Central Valle, Costa Rica

Variety: SL-28

Elevation: 1300 masl

Process: Natural Piramide

Tasting Notes: Candied Cherry, Blackberry Jam, Strawberry Guava, Cacao Nibs, Sweet