Costa Rica Entre Rios Don Alfonso Rare Microlot
Grown by the Robelo Family at Aquiares Estate this coffee is the perfect balance between the innovative anaerobic fermentation process and the renowned Costa Rican terroir. An exceptional coffee that pushes the boundaries of how coffee should taste, Don Alfonso Entre Rios is one of our most unique offerings to date – only 200 bags available.
We are thrilled to share with you this special offering from our Rare Microlot series hailing from the slopes of the Turrialba volcano on the Aquiares Estate. Run by the Robelo Family since 1992, Aquiares understand the importance of the natural volcanic soil present in Turrialba, any organic matter from pruning is left to feed soil microbes thus providing organic nutrients for the plants. The diverse shade trees, totaling over 40 different species across the farm, also cool the ground allowing the coffee to slowly ripen, and let all the sugars from the mucilage fully absorb into the bean, increasing cup quality.
It's impressive to see naturally processed coffees coming from a farm in this region of Costa Rica. The high humidity makes it difficult to create the right drying conditions for natural coffees but Diego has proven Aquiares could do it. They sourced a greenhouse from a neighbor and after trial and error, connected an air flow system to maintain a constant air flow of 36°C, allowing them to produce natural and honey processed coffees.
If you’re a Fairtrade coffee connoisseur, chances are you’ll already be familiar with Cafédirect’s brilliant brews. Not only were they the first Fairtrade hot drinks brand in the UK, they’re also the largest and are a certified B Corp too.
As you’d expect, Cafédirect does right by the producers they work with and are committed to helping smallholder growers thrive – now and in the future. That’s why they invest 50% of profits into Producers Direct, on top of the Fairtrade premiums they pay.
What is Producers Direct? It’s a charity run by growers, for growers, which improves livelihoods and creates a sustainable future. They organise training and education on everything from diversifying crops in response to climate change to bookkeeping.
This way of doing business benefits everyone involved. It gives farmers security and ever-evolving knowledge on growing top-quality coffee as well as being good for community wellbeing. This in turn allows Cafédirect to get great tasting, continually improving coffee into your mug at home. Or, hot chocolate or tea if those are more your bag – they do luxurious hot chocolate and a range called London Tea, too.
Plus, Cafédirect is making efforts to take care of the planet, with at least a third of their coffee being Soil Association Certified.