Varietal: Cattura
Process: Natural
MASL: 1500-1700
Tasting notes: malted chocolate, cherry, key-lime
Region: Alajuela, West Valley
Farm: Vulcan Azul
 
Notes provided by Apex Coffee Imports:
 
Volcan Azul, owned by Alejo Castro, is a distinguished coffee farm located in the highlands of Costa Rica. Alejo, whose family has a long tradition in coffee cultivation, has dedicated himself to elevating the farm's quality and environmental responsibility. Under his management, Volcan Azul has become renowned for its meticulous approach to coffee production, including advanced drying and processing methods, as well as the cultivation of unique coffee varieties.
 
Alejo has carried forward a family tradition of distinction in coffee cultivation, modernizing practices while preserving the rich heritage of his ancestors. The farm has become a model by his employment of advanced techniques like precise soil management and pioneering processing methods. 
 
Caturra is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety. Introduced to Guatemala in the 1940s, it later spread to Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama. For decades, it was one of the most economically significant coffees in Central America, often serving (and sometimes still serving) as a “benchmark” for testing new cultivars. At Volcan Azul, Caturra is their most traditional variety, with the first seeds planted 50 years ago. It once made up 90% of their production due to its consistently high quality.
Alejo tackles coffee diseases like leaf rust, insects, and fungi with meticulous control measures, using traps instead of insecticides to maintain a balanced ecosystem. During Costa Rica’s heavy rains, he carefully manages tree care to protect yields. With over 40 coffee varieties, including disease-resistant types, Alejo minimizes disease spread and ensures crop health. His dedication to soil management and sustainable practices has improved the farm’s environmental impact and significantly enhanced the flavor of their beans, earning Volcan Azul a reputation for excellence in the specialty coffee industry.
Volcan Azul, has garnered praise for its commitment to environmentally friendly practices and high-quality coffee, emphasizing his dedication to innovation and sustainability.