Costa Rica Cup of Excellence #3 Experimental [Score 90.42]

Roast Level: Light
Elevation: 1700m
Milling Process: Experimental
Varietal: San Roque

We taste: Apricot, papaya, honey, cacao, sweet & sugary, crisp acidity

This San Roque from Monte Llano Bonito El Kinkajou in Cartago, Costa Rica won 3rd place in the 2024 Costa Rica Cup of Excellence, with a score of 90.42.

Monte Llano Bonito El Kinkajou, a #3 COE-winning lot from Francisco Alejandro Mena's estate, Sumava de Lourdes, showcases the exceptional quality cultivated at 1670 to 1700 meters above sea level. The estate is divided into two main sections, Monte Lourdes (28 hectares) and Monte Llano Bonito (40 hectares), with multiple farms within each. El Kinkajou, located in Monte Lourdes, is named after the small wild animal often seen on the farm. Over the past eight years, approximately 6,000 SL28 Kenya plants have been cultivated here. The cherries were harvested fully ripe, rested and fermented for three days under the shade, and then, after depulping, rested for another three days in fermentation tanks.

San Roque is a mutation of the SL28 variety, originally developed in Kenya but first occurring in Costa Rica. It shares SL28’s bright fruit acidity, rich sweetness, and spicy complexity, making it popular among Costa Rican coffee producers. 

The coffee was harvested in 2024 and arrived at Bean & Bean’s roastery in September 2024. Roasted in small batches on select days — allow extra time for this lot.