We’re excited to be sharing a pretty unique coffee from Costa Rica as part of Brew Crew VS.

VERY SPECIAL

Why unique? It’s from a Costa Rican farm growing SL28, a varietal developed originally in Kenya, processed using a natural method. Kenyan coffees are typically washed, so this is a rare chance where two unexpected factors meet to produce an interesting flavour profile. Fusion!

It’s the result of the consistent work of Carlos Barrantes and his wife, Diana, who established La Perla Del Cafe Mill in 2011. They’re the third generation in their family in coffee. Their obsession with quality and precision is evident from the mill to the drying greenhouse to the bodega—not a single bean is out of place, and everything is kept exceptionally clean.

In a further nod to quality, the Barrantes family hires the same pickers every year, regardless of the size of the harvest. These workers are so exceptional that the station doesn’t have a float tank at the mill—Carlos and Diana trust their keen eyes and swift hands to only select the perfectly ripe cherry.

The mill mainly produces honey processed coffees, so the natural we’re sharing is also unusual for them. Carlos also likes to experiment with different varieties: he was the first producer in Costa Rica to get his hands on the SL-28 varietal which we’re showcasing.

BREW, SHARE AND ENJOY

Now you know a bit more about the background it’s time to enjoy this awesome coffee! If you don’t know where to start, you can use Reuben’s brewing recipe (coming soon, see below).

You can also try your favourite method and play around with some settings to get the best of it. Don’t forget to tell us how it went, adding your recipe here, via email or on Instagram at @samplecoffee.

We look forward to hearing about your experience with this VS coffee!

Resting beans inside the sealed bag helps develop peak flavours and acidity

Learn how long and why you should wait in our brewing window recommendations.

Try our step-by-step recipes and videos

Our recipes are easy to follow and designed to bring the best out of our coffee. Find your favourite method on our brew guides collection or test a new one—and if you have any questions, ask us anytime at [email protected].