Costa Rica Naranja Cattleya Especial

Roast Level: Medium / City+

Tasting Notes: Bright citrus and stone fruit up front, with a honey-like sweetness and a clean, crisp finish.

Origin Story

Costa Rica Naranja Cattleya Especial is sourced from the Tarrazú region — one of Central America’s most acclaimed coffee-growing areas, perched at over 1,500 meters in the mountains south of San José. “Naranja” (Spanish for orange) is a nod to this coffee’s characteristic bright citrus notes, while “Cattleya” refers to the prized orchid variety native to the region — both symbols of the exceptional, rare quality of this lot. The “Especial” designation marks it as a micro-lot selected for its superior cup score among the harvest. Hartford Coffee air-roasts this bean at a medium level to honor Costa Rica’s natural elegance and sweetness.

Farm & Processing Details

• Region: Tarrazú, San José Province, Costa Rica
• Altitude: 1,500–1,900 meters above sea level
• Varietal: Catuaí, Caturra
• Processing: Honey Process (Yellow Honey) — coffee cherries are pulped but dried with some mucilage intact, producing the signature sweetness and body
• Harvest Season: November–February
• Certification: Rainforest Alliance; micro-lot selection

Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region has a century-long tradition of coffee excellence. Small family farms here are known for meticulous attention to harvest timing, selecting only fully ripe cherries — a labor-intensive practice that directly translates to superior cup quality.

Brewing Recommendations

Costa Rica Naranja Cattleya Especial’s honey-process sweetness and citrus brightness reward precise brewing that allows its complex aromatics to fully develop.

Pour Over (Chemex or V60) — Most Recommended
Medium-fine grind | 1:16 ratio | 3–4 minutes | 200°F. The pour over method is the perfect showcase for this coffee. The clean filtration preserves every bright citrus note while the slow pour coaxes out the honey sweetness. Bloom for 45 seconds.

Drip / Automatic Brewer
Medium grind | 1:15 ratio | 195–205°F. An approachable everyday brew. The honey process ensures sweetness even in an automatic brewer — this is an excellent morning cup black.

Aeropress
Medium-fine grind | 2–3 minute steep | inverted method | 200°F. Produces a concentrated, syrupy cup that doubles as a quick “espresso-style” shot. Add hot water to taste.

Cold Brew
Coarse grind | 1:8 ratio | 14–18 hour cold steep. The cold extraction amplifies the stone fruit and honey notes while softening acidity — an outstanding summer coffee.

Why You’ll Love It

Costa Rica Naranja Cattleya Especial is a premium micro-lot that delivers a truly exceptional cup experience. The honey process adds a layer of natural sweetness rarely found in washed coffees, while the high altitude ensures vibrant, lingering complexity. This is the kind of coffee that makes you stop mid-sip and appreciate the craft behind it.