Costa Rica Hacienda Sonora Obata Dry Process

Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Chamomile 

Hacienda Sonora is one of Costa Rica’s OG specialty outfits. The farm has been run by the Guardia family for over one hundred years. At the turn of the millennium, they invested in their own mill and began experimenting with different processing methods. They pioneered Costa Rica’s honey processing trend, and for decades now, they’ve produced a series of delectable winners. 

This lot is particularly awesome for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a pure Obata coffee. Obata was developed in Brazil in the 20th century and was derived in part from one of Costa Rica’s most famous varietals, Villa Sarchí. It’s a high-yielding, disease-resistant crop, and coffee geeks love it for producing round brews with chocolate and nut tones.

Apart from the varietal, this brew stands out for its immaculate processing. The Guardia team hand-picked the cherries, floated them for separation, and carried out a 36-hour fermentation process. They then dried the lot—both on patios and via mechanical methods—with the fruit intact. The result? Fruity high tones that balance Obata’s naturally smoother qualities.

Cherry looms large in this one. It’s a great note—zingy and sweet in equal measure—and it sets the table nicely for the cup’s mid-tones. A chocolatey vibe comes through, but not the Hershey’s milk variety. The impression is more like a single-origin 70% bar, the kind Erewhon might sell for thirty dollars. The chocolate has a brightness of its own, which makes it a perfect companion for the cherry.

As the cup cools, a roundness sets in. The body gains some heft. The mouthfeel grows silky. The final note is a faint one, but it’s lovely if you can catch it—chamomile. I don’t want to say this brew is tea-like—it’s too round and smooth for that description—but there’s a fine hint of chamomile in it that’s elegant enough to recall coffee’s rival brew. The note is most discernible as the cup cools, so give it time to emerge.

Bottom line: this cup brings fruit, sweetness, and complex tones in an easy-drinking package. If you’re into Pura Vida culture, you’re going to flip for it.

• Process - Dry (Natural)
• Region - Central Valley
• Altitude - 1300 meters
• Varietal - Obata

Recommended For:

• Pour Over
• Aeropress
• French Press
• Drip Machine