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.
Process
Fully washed — the fruit is removed before drying, emphasizing clarity and allowing the inherent character of the Caturra variety and Turrialba terroir to come through without interference. The result is a clean, structured, and approachable cup with excellent definition across every note.
Cup Profile
Raspberry and apricot lead with gentle, mellow fruit sweetness — bright but never sharp — before a warm cinnamon roll note rounds out the finish with a touch of spiced pastry comfort. It's a beautifully composed cup, balanced and inviting, with a depth that rewards slow sipping. Think Cadbury fruit and nut — that perfect harmony of fruit, sweetness, and richness in every sip.
