Alejandro Castro

Description

Tasting Notes | Melon Candy · Caramel Chews · Green Grape · Lime Zest · Orange Chocolate

Country | Costa Rica
Region | West Valley
Elevation | 1400–1600 masl
Producer | Volcán Azul, Alejandro Castro
Variety | Caturra
Process | Honey · Swiss Water Decaf
Aspects | Swiss Water Process · Microlot
Roast | Light-Medium

A rare and luminous decaffeinated offering

Volcán Azul Honey Decaf

This microlot comes from Volcán Azul in Costa Rica’s West Valley, produced by fifth-generation grower Alejandro Castro. Coffees from this estate are rarely available in decaffeinated form, and this lot represents a limited release selected for both clarity and structure after processing.

Grown on the slopes of the Poás Volcano, the farm benefits from mineral-rich soils and a stable microclimate that supports slow development and balanced maturation. Volcán Azul has long been recognized for its precision in cultivation and processing, with a particular emphasis on varietal separation and lot integrity.

Caturra

This lot is composed of Caturra, a compact Bourbon mutation known for its balanced profile and ability to express sweetness and clarity at elevation. Under careful processing, it produces a cup that is both structured and expressive, with a clean, fruit-forward character.

Process

Honey · Swiss Water Decaf

[Harvest] Ripe cherries selectively handpicked and delivered same-day.

[Sorted] Floating and sorting to isolate high-quality fruit.

[Pulped] Outer skin removed while retaining controlled mucilage.

[Drying] Parchment dried on patios in thin layers, turned regularly for even drying.

[Stabilized] Dried to target moisture before export preparation.

[Decaffeinated] Swiss Water® process used to remove caffeine without chemical solvents.

[Reconditioned] Coffee dried back to stable moisture and prepared for shipment.

Fermentation & conditioning time: Controlled mucilage drying + post-decaffeination stabilization

The Cup

The cup opens with bright, confection-like sweetness—melon candy and caramel chews—followed by green grape and citrus tones as it cools. A subtle interplay of lime zest and orange chocolate carries through the finish, maintaining clarity while remaining soft and composed.

Read more here

Text from Lore Coffee Roasters' listing.