Established in 1888, Beneficio San Diego is the most modern mill in Costa Rica. Located in the Tarrazú region, the mill specializes in processing coffees from both the Tarrazú and Tres Ríos areas. Over the years, it has built a reputation for its commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainable practices. The mill collaborates closely with local producers, many of whom are smallholder farmers with plots averaging around three hectares. These farmers deliver their ripe coffee cherries to the mill, where they undergo various processing methods, including washed, honey, and natural processes. Costa Rica Tarrazú San Diego is a semi washed anaerobic processed coffee. The semi washed process, also called honey, is a unique coffee processing method that falls between washed and natural processing. After harvesting, the coffee cherries are depulped, removing the outer skin while leaving a sticky, honey-like layer of mucilage on the seed, or coffee bean. Instead of washing this layer away, the seed is dried with the mucilage intact allowing natural sugars to enhance sweetness and body. This results in a coffee with a silky mouthfeel, vibrant fruit notes, and a balanced acidity. For this coffee, the honey process is paired with anaerobic fermentation. This step amplifies the coffee’s complexity and refines its mouthfeel, resulting in a delicate, silky texture. Expect bright notes of orange zest, warming cinnamon and baking spices, with a flavor profile reminiscent of a merlot wine.

Producer: Various Smallholders

Mill: San Diego Mill

Region: Tarrazú

Elevation: 1200-1750 MASL

Varietal: Caturra, Catuai

Process: Semi-washed Anaerobic

We taste: orange zest, cinnamon, merlot