The Tarrazú Legend of Lamastus Family Estates

When you pay a premium for single-origin Tarrazú coffee, you’re not just buying altitude and acidity — you’re buying into a decades-long story of selectivity. But how does one farm maintain such high standards and still command a fixed price, even when global markets fluctuate? The answer lies in a single decision made in 1987 by a truck driver-turned-coffee grower.

Lamastus Family Estates, located in Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region, sells only 15% of its production as estate-branded coffee. The rest goes to commercial markets, yet the estate coffee still fetches a steady $3.99 per pound — regardless of global coffee price swings.

The Origins of a Coffee Legacy

In 1987, 36-year-old Bill McAlpine, then owner of Lamastus Family Estates, rented a truck and hand-selected 200 bags of coffee from his own farm in Tarrazú. He personally transported them to Virginia, USA — a move that marked the beginning of Lamastus as a recognised name in specialty coffee. This bold step established the farm’s reputation for quality long before third-wave coffee became a movement.

Why Only 15% Becomes 'Estate' Coffee

Despite producing high-quality coffee, Lamastus intentionally designates only 15% of its total output as ‘Lamastus Estate’ coffee. The remaining beans are sold through standard commercial channels. Every bean that carries the Lamastus name undergoes rigorous selection, ensuring that only the top tier represents the estate. This selectivity helps maintain both quality and a stable premium price.

Why Lamastus Charges $3.99 Per Pound — And Sticks To It

The estate coffee from Lamastus consistently sells for $3.99 per pound, a price point that remains unchanged despite volatility in international coffee commodity markets. This pricing strategy reflects the farm’s commitment to consistent quality and direct value recognition, rather than market speculation. Customers are paying for a guaranteed standard, not a lottery of origin grades.

The Controversial Stance on Fair Trade

Bill McAlpine has been outspoken about his scepticism toward fair trade coffee. He rejects the notion that purchasing fair trade beans is a form of ethical redemption. McAlpine argues that customers should buy Lamastus coffee for its taste and quality, not out of guilt or political alignment. He views fair trade as a form of cultural hegemony that commodifies farmers’ struggles. While he acknowledges the good intentions behind fair trade, he believes it oversimplifies and exploits the narrative of suffering for marketing gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lamastus Family Estates located?

Lamastus Family Estates is located in the Tarrazú region of Costa Rica, one of the country’s most renowned high-altitude coffee-growing areas.

What percentage of Lamastus coffee is sold as estate coffee?

Only 15% of the coffee produced at Lamastus Family Estates is selected and sold as estate-branded coffee. The rest is sold through regular commercial channels.

How much does Lamastus estate coffee cost per pound?

Lamastus estate coffee is priced at $3.99 per pound, a figure that remains constant regardless of global coffee market fluctuations.

Why doesn’t Lamastus participate in fair trade?

Bill McAlpine, the owner, is critical of fair trade coffee. He believes customers should buy based on quality, not guilt, and sees fair trade as a form of cultural hegemony that misrepresents farmers’ realities.

What year did Lamastus first export coffee directly to the US?

In 1987, Lamastus Family Estates made its first direct export to Virginia, USA, with 200 bags of carefully selected coffee beans.

How does Lamastus ensure the quality of its estate coffee?

Lamastus ensures quality by hand-selecting only the top 15% of its production for the estate brand, applying rigorous sorting and quality control measures before sale.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Tarrazú & Costa Rica

While FrontStreet Coffee doesn’t currently list Lamastus beans, their recommended Costa Rican offering is the Colombia Huila — a high-altitude coffee with a profile reminiscent of Tarrazú’s bright acidity. For something closer to home, try their Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, known for its sweet, creamy profile with peanut and caramel notes. These beans showcase the kind of careful selection and quality focus that Lamastus is known for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.