Coffee overview
Origin: Los Santos, Costa Rica
Producer: Alejo Castro Kahle
Process: Natural
Altitude: 1,500 to 1,600 MASL
Varieties: Villa Sarchi
In the cup: Black cherry, grape, golden syrup, passionfruit, papaya
Where it's grown
Hacienda La Union comes from Costa Rica's renowned Los Santos region, an area known for producing exceptional coffees at high elevations. This particular lot is grown between 1,500 and 1,600 metres above sea level and showcases the Villa Sarchi variety, a natural mutation of Bourbon that has become closely associated with Costa Rican coffee production.
The coffee is produced by Alejo Castro Kahle, a name many coffee enthusiasts will recognise through his connection to Volcan Azul. Alongside his family, Alejo brings decades of coffee-growing experience and a meticulous approach to production, resulting in coffees that consistently express both sweetness and clarity of flavour.
Hacienda La Union reflects the dedication and expertise that have helped establish Costa Rica as one of the world's most respected coffee-producing origins.
How it's processed
Hacienda La Union is processed using the natural method. In natural processing, the coffee cherry is dried with the fruit still intact around the seed, allowing sugars and fruit characteristics from the cherry to influence the final cup profile. The natural process ai a key driver of this coffee's sweetness and fruit-forward character.
Combined with the Villa Sarchi variety and the expertise of Alejo Castro Kahle, this processing approach contributes to a coffee that is vibrant, layered, and expressive.
Tasting notes and cup profile
Hacienda La Union is a vibrant and fruit-driven coffee that showcases just how exciting Costa Rican naturals can be.
In the cup, expect notes of black cherry, grape, golden syrup, passionfruit, and papaya.
The profile is rich and juicy, balancing ripe berry-like fruit with tropical sweetness and a syrupy depth. The black cherry and grape notes provide familiarity and structure, while layers of passionfruit and papaya bring brightness and complexity. Golden syrup ties everything together with a lingering sweetness that carries through the finish.
As espresso, Hacienda La Union delivers an expressive and memorable drinking experience that highlights the coffee's remarkable fruit character and sweetness.
Why we love this coffee
We love Hacienda La Union because it is a brilliant example of how exciting Costa Rican natural coffees can be.
Produced by Alejo Castro Kahle, this coffee combines an exceptional growing region, a distinctive variety, and careful production to create a cup that feels both vibrant and approachable.
What stands out most is its sweetness. The combination of black cherry, grape, passionfruit, papaya, and golden syrup creates a layered flavour profile that is expressive without becoming overwhelming. Every sip offers something different, making it equally enjoyable for seasoned coffee enthusiasts and those exploring specialty coffee for the first time.
For anyone looking to experience the brighter, fruitier side of Costa Rican coffee, Hacienda La Union is a coffee well worth discovering.
Hacienda La Union is now available as part of our Single Origin collection. Grab a bag HERE.
