Costa Rica Don Joel Maragogype White Honey

Don Joel
Allan Oviedo is a second-generation coffee producer who inherited his land from his father, Joel Oviedo, approximately 20 years ago. The land was divided into two portions, with one half allocated to Allan and the other half to his brother, Allan's uncle. Initially, he sold coffee cherries to a local mill, receiving a significantly low market price. To supplement his income, Allan took on shifts as a taxi driver in San Jose, diligently saving funds to reinvest in his farm. His goal was to improve the quality of life for his family, leading him to implement numerous changes on the farm, including the construction of a micromill, which he named in honor of his father, Don Joel.
Since establishing his micromill, Allan has made substantial investments in quality, achieving several accolades at the Costa Rican Cup of Excellence from 2017 to 2023, including a commendable third place in the newly established honey/natural category this year for a ‘semi-washed’ or white honey SL28 varietal, the same varietal as the lot currently being released. This success has enabled Allan to continue investing in his operations, including the acquisition of the remainder of his father’s land from his uncle and the planting of additional Villa Sarchi, Typica, Maragogype, and SL28 coffee varieties. His ongoing achievements serve as a testament to his methodical and detail-oriented approach, consistently enhancing the quality of the coffee he produces, as evidenced by his repeated placements in the Cup of Excellence.

FINCA LA CUMBRE
Located near San Luis de Grecia, at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. The farm cultivates a diverse range of coffee plants, including Caturra, Catuai, Villa Sarchí, and smaller lots of Maragogype. This farm represents the original family estate, which Allan inherited following the passing of Don Joel. In the early days, Allan balanced his responsibilities by working night shifts as a taxi driver in San José while managing the farm during the day. His unwavering dedication and resilience were instrumental in sustaining the farm's operations and enhancing its productivity.

MARAGOGYPE
Maragogype coffee, commonly known as the "elephant bean" due to its unusually large size, is a distinguished varietal of Arabica coffee that originated in the Maragogipe region of Brazil. Renowned for its remarkable cup quality, Maragogype features a smooth and mild taste profile with floral and fruity notes, complemented by a well-rounded acidity and rich body. As a mutation of the Typica variety, it thrives in high-altitude regions with fertile soils, although it is less commonly produced due to its lower yield and susceptibility to disease. Nevertheless, Maragogype has garnered significant attention among coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs, leading to a renewed interest in its cultivation as producers focus on delivering unique and high-quality coffee experiences.