Handpouring Costa Rica Tarrazú Diamond Hill Coffee Beans

Ever wondered what makes a well-brewed Costa Rica Tarrazú coffee so refreshing yet structured? Many pour-over enthusiasts seek that sweet spot between juicy acidity and chocolatey depth—and this particular lot from Diamond Hill Estate delivers both, with a twist of citrus and toast.

For best results, use 12.5g of medium-fine ground coffee, extracted with 140ml water at 86°C using a two-part V60 pour-over method. Begin with a 20-second bloom, then proceed with controlled infusions. Aim for a brew ratio near 1:11.2 for balanced sweetness and clarity.

What Is This Coffee?

This single-origin lot hails from the Tarrazú region of Costa Rica, a zone renowned for high-altitude arabica cultivation. Produced by a local smallholder farm within the Diamond Mountain Estate, the coffee is grown at SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) altitudes. The beans are of mixed varieties—Caturra and Catuai—processed via classic washed method to highlight crisp, clean profiles. This is not a microlot but a thoughtfully processed representative of Tarrazú’s terroir-driven quality.

How Was It Brewed?

The recommended home brewing setup uses a V60 dripper with a medium-fine grind size, akin to table salt. A dose of 12.5 grams of coffee is brewed with 140 millilitres of water. Water temperature starts at 86°C, the industry cupping standard. The method follows a two-stage pour: initial infusion begins after a 20-second bloom, followed by controlled additions to complete extraction. This approach balances clarity, body, and sweetness—key traits of Tarrazú coffees.

Flavour Profile & Tasting Notes

The dry aroma is intense and inviting, with a distinct note of vanilla that stands out immediately. Once brewed, the cup opens with light floral tones and very subtle hints of tea, underscored by delicate blackberry sweetness and faint caramel. Acidity is present but soft, paired with mild chocolate notes. The mouthfeel is clean, well-balanced, and rounded, offering a silky texture with a gentle sweetness. The finish lingers smoothly, with a faint smokiness and almost no bitterness. Overall, it shows more body and aromatic complexity than the previously cupped West Valley offering. Adding milk does not dilute its character. For optimal results, try brewing at slightly lower temperatures—83–85°C—to tame any potential brightness and enhance balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grind size should I use for Costa Rica Tarrazú coffee?

Use a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt or slightly finer than sea salt. This grind works well for V60 pour-over methods and helps achieve balanced extraction for this SHB Costa Rica coffee.

What is the best water temperature for brewing this coffee?

The recommended starting temperature is 86°C, following standard cupping guidelines. For a slightly mellower cup with smoother acidity, try lowering the temperature to between 83–85°C.

What coffee varieties are in this Tarrazú lot?

This particular coffee is a blend of Caturra and Catuai—two classic Costa Rican arabica varieties known for their balanced cup profile and adaptability to high-altitude growing conditions.

How should I brew this coffee for the best results?

Use about 12.5g of coffee and 140ml of water with a medium-fine grind. Begin with a 20-second bloom, then pour in stages. A two-part V60 method is ideal to highlight its citrus, caramel, and chocolate notes while maintaining a clean finish.

Does this coffee taste good with milk?

Yes, it retains enough body and sweetness to hold up well under milk. Unlike some brighter Tarrazú lots, this version doesn’t become thin when prepared as a latte or flat white.

What makes Tarrazú coffee different from other Costa Rican regions?

Tarrazú coffees are typically brighter and more structured due to high altitudes and SHB classification. This lot adds unique notes of vanilla, toast, and soft smoke, distinguishing it even within the respected Tarrazú designation.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Pour-Over

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s BrazilBourbon for a round, sweet profile with soft acidity—great for exploring balance like this Tarrazú. For brighter fruit notes, their ColombiaSidra offers complex stone fruit and cane sugar layers via Sidra variety. Both beans showcase how clean processing and careful roasting can shape a nuanced cup. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.