Introducing the latest coffee release from Edmonton based Alternate Route Coffee Co. Our newest addition hails from the renowned Cedrela farm in Costa Rica, meticulously produced by Jorge Urena, a third-generation coffee farmer.
The Story Behind the Beans:
How did we come across this extraordinary coffee? It’s all thanks to Jorge’s daughter, Celeste. After moving to Edmonton a couple of years ago, Celeste has been working tirelessly to bring her family’s exceptional Costa Rican coffees to Canada. Over the last few years we’ve built a strong relationship with her, and we’re thrilled to share this beautiful honey-processed coffee with you!
Tasting Notes:
Our Costa Rican honey-processed coffee boasts a unique flavor profile, influenced by the diverse ecosystem of Cedrela farm. Grown under the shade of banana, poró, guava, citrus, and avocado trees at an elevation of 2000 meters, this coffee offers a rich, complex taste experience. Expect notes of tropical fruit, caramel, and a hint of citrus, setting it apart from other well-known coffees.
This Catuai variety is pure sweetness in a cup. Imagine the rich taste of raw honey, complemented by delicate notes of:
- White Grape – A subtle hint of tartness.
- Jasmine – A floral whisper that elevates the aroma.
- Apricot – A juicy, fruity undertone.
- Caramel Apple Pops – A playful, nostalgic finish.
Why You’ll Love It: Our Costa Rican coffee is not just about exceptional taste; it’s about the story and passion behind every bean. Sourced directly from the Cedrela farm and brought to you by Celeste’s dedication, this coffee embodies our commitment to ethical, sustainable, and direct-trade practices.
The Journey of Our Costa Rica, Honey Processed Coffee:
The Harvest:
Our process begins with the careful harvesting of ripe, red cherries. The cherries are then taken in for micro-milling. At this stage, the cherries are sorted by density—heavy cherries sink and proceed to the pulper, while lighter/floating cherries are set aside. The pulper selectively processes beans of specific sizes, leaving the mucilage intact. This mucilage, rich in sugars, plays a crucial role in developing the unique flavor profile of our coffee.
Processing:
This coffee is honey processed, which involves removing the outer skin of the coffee cherry but leaving some of the mucilage (the sticky, honey-like layer) intact. This method is known for imparting a sweet, fruit-forward flavor profile to the beans. Our coffee is grown in Copey, within Costa Rica’s renowned Tarrazú Coffee Region. The Cedrela farm, managed by the Ureña family, is located at a high elevation of 2000 meters above sea level and benefits from the rich, shaded environment provided by diverse tree species such as banana, poró, guava, citrus, and avocado.
When you see “honey process” on our labels, you’re looking at a method that retains the mucilage, and all its tasty sugars, on the bean. Unlike other processes where the mucilage is washed away, our honey process conserves water and enhances the beans’ flavor. This environmentally friendly approach ensures that the peel is removed while preserving the mucilage for the drying phase.
Drying and Resting:
After peeling, the beans undergo a crucial drying process. The sugars in the mucilage oxidize, adding complexity to the flavor. Our beans are dried in sunbeds for approximately 15 days. Following this, the coffee “naps” for 30 days, allowing the flavors to settle and mature.
Final Processing:
After the resting period, the parchment layer covering the beans is removed. The beans are then milled, sorted by size, shape, and density, and prepared for grading. This meticulous sorting ensures that only the highest quality beans make it into your cup.
Ethical Sourcing
We are deeply committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable, direct-trade practices. By supporting family-owned farms like Cedrela, we ensure that our coffee not only tastes exceptional but also contributes positively to the community and the environment.
Experience the Difference
Discover the exceptional taste and ethical craftsmanship behind every sip of our Costa Rican honey-processed coffee. Celebrate the dedication of the Ureña family and the unique flavors that only Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region can offer.
Roasters can say they’re different, but we put words into action. We work closely with our producers and have wonderful relationships with them which ensures fair compensation for all involved as well as spectacular specialty coffee for our customers.
Our head roaster, Corie, sat down with Jorge’s daughter Celeste to chat about our new coffee from her father’s farm. Check out the interview below.
Enjoy Your First Cup
Start your delightful coffee journey with a cup of our exquisite Costa Rican honey-processed coffee. With its rich and complex flavor profile, it promises a unique tasting experience that harmonizes with your senses. Don’t wait to explore the dedication and craftsmanship poured into every bean. Purchase your bag of Costa Rica, Honey Process Light Roast today and indulge in a brew that stands for taste and sustainability.
Alternate Route Coffee has been crafted with a level of passion, commitment, and attention to detail that few can imagine. Why? Because at Alternate Route Coffee, we know it matters. From our humble beginnings as Alberta’s first ‘roastery on wheels’, we learned that only through passion and relentless commitment can you truly create something special. This commitment to a truly special product is our promise to you.
Located just beside the Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, Canada, Alternate Route Coffee Co. is a small batch, specialty coffee roaster blending traditional techniques with modern innovation to bring you a unique coffee experience. The roastery includes a small coffee bar, retail section, as well as a beautiful custom tasting room where we host intimate coffee tasting and brewing events. Be sure to check out our store hours and we look forward to seeing you soon.