Producer & Farm
The name Aquiares comes from the Huetar indigenous language, meaning "land between rivers" — and the estate lives up to it, nestled on the lush slopes of the Turrialba volcano amid forests, rivers, and rich biodiversity. Founded in 1890, the farm was transformed in the 1980s by Alfonso Robelo, who arrived in Costa Rica seeking refuge from civil war in Nicaragua. What he found was a farm struggling with instability and low prices — and what he built was something far more remarkable.
Alfonso challenged the traditional relationship between landowner and farm worker, eventually evolving Aquiares into a small town where workers could purchase their own homes, building pride, security, and genuine community investment into the foundation of the operation. Today, Aquiares is home to 1,800 people and stands as a widely recognized model of sustainable, equitable agriculture.
The farm is now managed by Alfonso's son, Diego Robelo, whose leadership has taken Aquiares further into specialty coffee — embracing new varieties, experimenting with processing, and cementing the estate's reputation as one of Central America's most forward-thinking producers. We bring in these lots in partnership with our importing partners at Ally Coffee, reflecting our shared commitment to sustainability, equity, and innovation.
Varietal
Caturra — a natural mutation of Bourbon first discovered in Brazil and widely planted across Central and South America. It's a compact, productive variety well suited to high-altitude growing, and prized in specialty coffee for its clean, bright, and balanced cup character — qualities that translate beautifully to espresso.
Process
Fully washed — the clarity and structure of the washed process make this an ideal espresso offering, producing a clean, well-defined shot with excellent sweetness and body under pressure. The fruit and pastry notes that define this cup pull together beautifully in the espresso profile.
Cup Profile
On espresso, raspberry and apricot come through with a rounded, almost jammy sweetness, while the cinnamon roll note deepens into something richer and more caramelized — warm, spiced, and satisfying. The shot is balanced and approachable with a smooth, sweet finish that holds up beautifully through milk. A house espresso that's as at home in a cortado as it is pulled long into an Americano.
