Washed SHB Caturra & Catuai from Costa Rica's Diamond Mountain Estate

If you’re looking for a bright, balanced cup with a clean finish and subtle complexity, Costa Rica’s high-altitude washed coffees are a go-to. But not all are created equal—what makes one lot stand out over another? It comes down to origin, processing, and careful farming. This particular lot from Finca Montanas del Diamante delivers just that.

This washed SHB coffee from Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region offers a light citrus profile with toast, caramel, and cocoa sweetness—a clean, easy-drinking cup ideal for filter or espresso. It’s grown at 1750–1850m by smallholders using traditional methods with modern finesse.

Where This Coffee Comes From

Costa Rica has been growing coffee since 1779, when it was introduced from Cuba, and began exporting in 1820. Though small—just 82,500 hectares under coffee and 32,000 farmers averaging less than one hectare each—the country produces 1.7 million 60kg bags annually, with high per-capita consumption (5.5kg versus Japan’s 4kg).

The coffee is grown in eight defined regions, with Tarrazú among the most famous. It sits in the Dota Valley at elevations around 1700–1800m, where volcanic soils, stable rainfall, and cool nights create ideal conditions for high-quality beans with pronounced acidity and complex fruit notes.

Diamond Mountain Estate: The Producer

Finca Montanas del Diamante (Diamond Mountain Estate) lies within Tarrazú’s Dota Valley, at elevations of 1750–1850m. The Gutiérrez family farms 50 hectares here, producing this lot using a mix of Caturra and Catuai varieties, processed via traditional washed method.

The estate benefits from Tarrazú’s reputation for bright, structured coffees with a classic balance. The high altitude slows ripening, increasing sugar development and acidity. The volcanic soils contribute to the winey, complex undertones typical of the region.

Processing and Flavor Profile

This coffee is processed using the washed (wet) method—a staple in Costa Rica known for producing clean, high-acid profiles. The cherries are depulped, fermented, and washed before drying, which highlights the bean’s intrinsic qualities without added fruitiness (as in honey or natural processes).

Flavor notes include a gentle orange-citrus acidity, toasted bread, and sweet layers of caramel and cocoa. The cup is described as clean, with additional hints of melon, faint floral tones, and a lingering coffee blossom finish. It’s approachable yet layered—ideal for pour-over or espresso.

Why SHB Matters

SHB stands for Strictly Hard Bean, a grade given to beans grown above 1200m in Costa Rica. The higher the altitude, the slower the bean maturity, leading to denser, more flavorful beans. This SHB classification ensures a premium quality cup with vibrant acidity and a fuller body compared to lower-grown beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the washed process and how does it affect flavor?

The washed process removes the coffee cherry’s skin and pulp, then ferments and washes the beans to remove the mucilage before drying. This results in a clean, bright cup with high clarity and accentuated acidity, as seen in this Costa Rican lot.

What does SHB mean in Costa Rican coffee?

SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) indicates coffee grown at elevations above 1200m. These beans are denser and develop more slowly, leading to richer flavors, higher acidity, and a more complex cup profile compared to lower-grown beans.

Which coffee varieties are in this lot?

This coffee is a blend of Caturra and Catuai varieties, both common in Costa Rica. Caturra offers brightness and acidity, while Catuai contributes sweetness and a balanced cup structure.

Where is Tarrazú and why is it important?

Tarrazú is a premier coffee-growing region in Costa Rica’s south-central highlands, part of the Dota Valley. It’s known for producing some of the country’s most structured, citrusy, and sweet coffees due to high altitudes and volcanic soils.

Is this coffee suitable for espresso?

Yes. Its bright acidity, caramel sweetness, and clean profile make it an excellent choice for espresso, especially if you enjoy a balanced shot with citrus and chocolate notes.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Filter or Espresso

FrontStreet Coffee’s Costa Rica Tarrazú Washed offers similar high-altitude brightness with notes of citrus, malt, and tropical fruit—great for pour-over. Their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe is another clean, floral option with citrus and berry, perfect if you enjoy the fruitiness of this Costa Rican lot. For something sweeter, try FrontStreet’s Guatemala Antigua, with chocolate and spice tones. All are single-origin, freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.