Introducing our newest House offering on filter and espresso from one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated farms — Aquiares Estate, led by award-winning producer Diego Robelo.
Every so often, a coffee comes along that feels perfectly suited for a role. For us, Costa Rica Aquiares Caturra is one of those coffees.
As our new House offering on both filter and espresso, this release represents more than just a seasonal transition. It marks the continuation of a partnership we've proudly maintained for several years with Diego Robelo and the team at Aquiares Estate, a farm whose commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation mirrors many of the values we strive for at DOCR. Diego is no stranger to our menu, and for good reason.
This washed Caturra offers exactly what we look for in a house coffee. It’s approachable, balanced, and endlessly enjoyable, while still carrying the character and craftsmanship that make specialty coffee exciting.
The Land Between Rivers
Nestled on the slopes of Costa Rica's Turrialba Volcano, Aquiares Estate is one of the country's most renowned coffee farms. The name "Aquiares" comes from the Huetar indigenous language and translates to "land between rivers" — a fitting description for the lush, fertile landscape that surrounds the farm.
Founded in 1890, Aquiares is the largest coffee farm in Costa Rica and home to a community of roughly 1,800 people. While the farm's history stretches back more than a century, much of its modern identity was shaped by Alfonso Robelo, who arrived in Costa Rica in the 1980s after fleeing political violence in neighboring Nicaragua.
Rather than operating Aquiares as a traditional coffee estate, Alfonso envisioned something different. He transformed the farm into a thriving community where workers could purchase and own their homes, creating stability and pride among the people responsible for producing the coffee. Today, Aquiares remains a model for sustainable agriculture and equitable coffee production.
A Legacy of Innovation
Today, Alfonso's son, Diego Robelo, leads the farm, carrying forward that same spirit of innovation while helping establish Aquiares as one of Central America's most influential specialty coffee producers.
Under Diego's leadership, Aquiares has become known for its willingness to experiment with new varieties, processing methods, and agricultural practices. The farm is also deeply committed to environmental stewardship, carefully measuring its carbon footprint and maintaining protected biological corridors that support local wildlife and biodiversity.
The result is a farm that continues to push coffee forward while remaining deeply connected to the people and environment that make it possible. For us, Aquiares represents the kind of producer partnership we love to celebrate — a dedication to quality that extends far beyond the cup itself.
On The Bar
A recent addition to our bar on both filter and espresso, this washed Caturra showcases one of Costa Rica’s most beloved coffee varieties, and one that shines particularly well at Aquiares Estate.
With separate roast profiles for filter and espresso, both presentations showcase the same coffee, with each profile tailored to highlight the strengths of its brewing method. The washed process allows the coffee's natural character to take center stage, producing a cup that feels balanced and composed from start to finish.
Expect notes of raspberry and apricot layered over a sweet cinnamon roll-like finish. There's a comforting familiarity to this coffee, balanced by enough fruit complexity to keep each sip engaging. It is exactly the kind of coffee we want on DOCR’s bar for our House offering.
Reliable without being boring. Familiar without sacrificing character. A coffee we're genuinely proud to share.
What to Expect
This release is only the beginning of another exciting year with Aquiares Estate. Alongside this offering, we've welcomed several additional lots from Diego and his team, each showcasing a different side of what makes Aquiares so special.
Recently, through Mirage Coffee Club, we exclusively dropped a Mariana Anaerobic Natural for our fifth drop of the year. We also have an Esperanza African Washed coffee available for wholesale partners and by the bag on our website. Soon, we'll be introducing an Esperanza Red Honey and Mariana Natural coffee on our pour over menu. Stay tuned!
These coffees embody everything we love about Diego and Aquiares Estate — balance, approachability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence from seed to cup.
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About the writer: Amelia Eramya is the Graphic Design + Marketing Lead at Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters. If you've seen any branded designs or read any written content on DOCR's website or socials (aside from Emma's wonderfully written blogs that Amelia helps edit), it's likely she's behind it. You can find her doing a variety of activities all over the city — bowling, shooting pool, or dancing to good house and techno. If you're a local business or entrepreneur and want to partner with DOCR on any creative projects or events, get in touch with her at design@dessertoasiscoffee.com.