Costa Rica Volcan Azul H1
Costa Rica Volcan Azul H1 Natural
Have we got a wild one here? Costa Rica Volcan Azul H1 natural sits somewhere in flavour between a natural process (on steroids) and an anoxic (or anaerobic process). I have cupped and brewed it in espresso and there is so much going on. This is not a coffee for those who do not want to be challenged. Is that a challenge?
I hope you are half as keen on Volcan Azul (as I am) and the ethos that comes with 5 generations and 150 years of producing coffee.
Farm Stats
(Top Trumps if you prefer)
Farmer: Alejo Castro
Farm; Volcan Azul
Area: Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Established: 1850, 5th generation farm.
Hectares: 55
Altitude: 1540-1720 Meters above sea level
Varietal: H1 (Timor Hybrid x Villa Sarchi F1 hybrid) crossed with Rume Sudan Ethiopian Landrace Varietal.
Process: Natural
Roast: One Roast
Cup Potential 🥣
Aromatics: Intense, Ripe and fruity. | Body: Medium-creamy | Acidity: Both Citric and Sweet |
On opening, I am making excuses to myself as I fear this may be a step too far. The aromatic intensity is almost too much! Upfront there is a bolt of “everything” that you could lazily call or label as cocoa, but three sips later this is soft and citrusy, with those ripe purple fruit sugars and a little floral too. I really have to take my time with coffee like this. They deserve it. On cooling, this is a mixture of playful citrus, jammy ripe fruit and pollen. This is an intense coffee that is deeply subtle.
Filter Recipe: I have been enjoying this in a cupping bowl (most like cafetiere)
Espresso Potential.
Recipe: 17-18g of coffee into 34g of espresso liquid for milk-based drinks. 94C and above There is so much soluble that I didn’t want for more. 27-30 seconds
9oz Milk-based drink: Super-High Quality Dark Chocolate, sweet.
6oz Milk-based drink: Malty, Dark chocolate, creamy.
Espresso: 17.5-18g 45-60g 30-35 seconds
Boom! If you have worked down from the 9oz, you might be surprised about the espresso when you get there! Massive intense dark chocolate, with a wild citrus and umami.
If you fancy sharing your brews with us, there is always JG Instagram
