Don Cayito

Region: Santa María de Dota, Tarrazú
Producer: Calderón Castillo
Cultivar: Typica Mejorado
Process: White Honey
Elevation: 1900-2000 masl
Source: Ecofarm
Roast level: Very light » 79.8 (W) / 129.4 (G) / △49.6
Roasted for: Mod Spro + Filter

Bright and zesty from the start, this cup opens with the crisp, citrusy lift of lemongrass, its vibrance lingering just long enough to make an impression. As it settles, the spice-like warmth of coriander seed emerges, adding depth without overshadowing the clarity of the cup. The finish is where it all comes together – gently unfurling into the delicate, honeyed sweetness of loquat, leaving behind a soft, lingering aftertaste that keeps you coming back for another sip. A refreshing yet layered profile, where each note unfolds with quiet elegance.

Nestled in the renowned Tarrazú coffee region of Costa Rica, Don Cayito is a family-owned coffee farm operated by the Calderón Castillo family. Located in Santa María de Dota, the farm's coffee plantations flourish at elevations between 1,650 and 2,100 meters above sea level. This high-altitude setting, combined with steep slopes that shield the crops from Atlantic weather while welcoming Pacific Ocean breezes and abundant sunlight, creates an ideal micro-climate for cultivating exceptional coffee.

The Calderón Castillo family's journey in coffee cultivation spans generations. In 2009, seeking greater control over quality and processing, they established their own micro-mill, Los Ángeles, in Santa María de Dota. This strategic move allowed them to oversee every step of production, from cultivation to milling, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. The family's dedication to excellence has led them to cultivate both traditional Costa Rican coffee varieties, such as Caturra and Catuai, and more exotic strains like Typica, SL28, and Geisha.

Their commitment to quality has garnered international acclaim. Notably, in 2011, one of their lots secured first place in the Costa Rica Cup of Excellence competition, a prestigious award recognizing the country's finest coffees. This achievement was repeated in 2018, further solidifying Don Cayito's reputation for producing top-tier specialty coffees.

Through sustainable practices and a passion for innovation, the Calderón Castillo family continues to elevate the art of coffee cultivation, offering connoisseurs around the world a taste of Costa Rica's rich coffee heritage.