COSTA RICA SHB ROMELIA — FULL CITY ROAST —
From the cloudy region of the Palmichal rainforest in Costa Rica comes our Romelia coffee. This region, bordering the historic zone of Tarrazú, is famous for producing its uniquely acidic coffee. Mostly Arabica varieties (Caturra and Catuai) are grown at altitudes between 1200 and 1600 meters.
Manuel Rojas Arias was the pioneer coffee grower in the Palmichal region, located on the western slopes of the Escazú Mountains, in close proximity to the Santa Ana Mountains. Many of the local farmers observed the success Don Manuel had with coffee, and began to convert their sugar plantations into coffee farms.
His only sister, Romelia, inherited his farms upon his death. Thanks to her strength and perseverance, Doña Romelia was able to sustain the quality of her farm’s coffee and continue the journey started by her beloved brother. She continues to harvest in the months of December through February, and mills the washed Arabica beans using a proven Drum Drying method.
Incidentally, Manuel Rojas happens to be the founder of Beneficio Palmichal, which he opened in November of 1933. In this same year, he received and processed 5,025 bags of SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) coffee of such superb quality that he claimed the best prices in Costa Rica at that time.
With the reputation of this coffee producer, you can expect the best, and it delivers! Experience the spicy aroma, vibrant acidity and well-rounded traits of this rich-bodied coffee. You’ll find it to be nicely balanced and vibrant in the cup.
TANZANIA PEABERRY ZANZIBAR — VIENNA ROAST —
Tanzania Peaberry Zanzibar is a premium blend from high grown estates in Southern Tanzania (Lunji, Utengule and Kanji Lanji Estates) and Northern Tanzania (Mondul, Burka, Ngila and Lyamungu Estates).
The Southern Estates are in the southern highlands of the country, located in Mbozi and Mbeya. Although total production is usually less than 500 metric tons, the coffees from all three Estates enjoy very good reputations. The Utengule Estate is a traditional, well-managed farm that produces exquisite Arabica coffee. Walk through the 500 acre estate, and explore how coffee is grown, harvested and processed. Perhaps a vacation destination? The area is also home to a variety of rare trees and flowers, as well as picturesque rivers.
Estates in the Northern region include Mondul, a farm developed by Count Vottorio Davico di Quittengo of Italy in 1931. Backed by his family, he was able to purchase the land and establish his coffee plantation. Following his demise in 1983, his two sons took ownership, continuing their father’s entrepreneurial spirit and social commitment. Annual production is 1000 metric tons.
German settlers established the Burka Estate in 1899, and it continues as a coffee producing farm. The estate covers 1500 acres with an annual production of 1000 metric tons. It also houses the Arusha Coffee Lodge, offering plantation tours, horseback riding, mountain biking and nature trails.
The estate of Ngila is in the Karatu District, perched on the slopes of the Ngorongoro crater, surrounded by the Ngila Forest Reserve. Founded in the 20th century by a German family, British farmers took it over after WWII. It was sold to Ruldolf Meyer in 1990.
Lyamungu Estate at the southern foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, was established in 1934 as a coffee research center; now leased to Mufindi Tea Co.
These sun-dried peaberries fill your cup with bright notes of black tea, chocolate, blackberry and kiwi. Sparked by lemon acidity, this coffee is sweet, balanced and complex, with good body. The enticing aroma is that of soft pipe tobacco.
A PEABERRY is an anomaly!
Instead of the coffee cherry growing two halves that have flat sides that fit together, forming a whole bean, a peaberry grows as a single, small, flavorful, round, unique bean.
