Region: Alajuela, West Valley
Elevation: 1400 - 1700 masl
About: At Volcán Azul, the story begins long before the first cherry hits the drying beds. Two farmers, Alejo C. Jiménez in Costa Rica and Wilhelm Kahle in southern Mexico, set out in the early 1800s with a simple aim: grow exceptional coffee for a growing European market. Their families continue that work today on rich volcanic soil more than 1400 metres above sea level, tending trees that thrive in three distinct Costa Rican regions.
Quality here is not a slogan. It is years of patient labour, careful farming, and a commitment that doesn’t waver. Alejo Khale Castro now leads the farm, continuing a legacy recognised with consistent Cup of Excellence placements. Healthy soil, resilient varieties, and strict picking standards build the foundation. Cherries are selected at peak ripeness, often measured at 22 brix or higher, before moving through meticulous sorting to remove floaters and field debris. Each step protects the flavour potential locked inside the seed.
Drying is deliberately slow, allowing sugars and nuance to develop without rushing the process. Conservation also sits at the heart of the farm’s philosophy, with rainforest protected to sustain the land that sustains the coffee. This steady, thoughtful approach shapes every cup.
