THE FARM: There is nowhere like Costa Rica when it comes to coffee cooperatives and Cooperativa de Caficultores de Dota R.L (CoopeDota), which was established in 1960, is one of the finest. It starts with an unmatched commitment to the environment. CoopeDota has a first of its kind certified carbon-neutral mill, which features hydro-powered energy consumption, water efficient eco-pulpers (also called a demucilager), and mechanical coffee dryers fueled by coffee parchment. Nearly 900 producer-members living throughout the canton of Dota within the province of San Jose, Costa Rica focus their attention on farm management throughout the year and then deliver their cherry to the CoopeDota mill where traceability and quality control are second to none. CoopeDota has an equally intricate model of income diversification with a profitable agriculture supply store and tourism department dedicated to showing off coffee farms to visitors. They also roast their own coffee and operate three cafes and a cupper/barista training center. Their commitment to the environment also extends to the community of Santa Maria de Dota where the cooperative manages trash pickup for the entire town.

OUR ROAST: This is a dry-processed coffee, unique for a Central American, and has aspects of a quality African coffee. The sweetness is convincing, with a mixture of fruit and honey. The wet aroma is sweet, with a culmination of smells that reminds us of fresh baked ginger-molasses cookies, along with a more delicate honey floral note. Santa Maria is a delicious brew, the sweetness alludes to aspects of honey and fragrant raw sugars. It has pleasant, fruited brightness too, like green-apple, giving way to fruited top note hints of lemon-lime.

*** All prices are per pound ***