Costa Rica’s coffee is celebrated worldwide for its balance, brightness, and rich cultural heritage. With volcanic soil and high‑altitude farms, the country produces beans that are both complex and approachable.
The Story Behind Costa Rica’s Coffee Culture
Costa Rica’s coffee journey began in the late 1700s, when Arabica plants were first introduced. By the 19th century, coffee had become the country’s most important export, earning the nickname “el grano de oro” — the golden bean. Coffee shaped Costa Rica’s economy, infrastructure, and even its social identity.
Key cultural highlights include:
- Coffee introduced in the late 1700s.
- Became a major export by the 1800s.
- Nicknamed “the golden bean” for its economic impact.
- 1989 law requiring only Arabica beans to be grown.
- Coffee remains central to family traditions and daily life.
Costa Rican coffee culture is more than just farming — it’s a way of life. Families gather around the chorreador, a traditional wooden coffee maker, and cooperatives empower small farmers to thrive.
The Unique Growing Regions of Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s diverse geography creates microclimates that shape the taste of its beans. Each region offers a distinct profile, influenced by altitude, soil, and rainfall.
Major coffee regions include:
- Tarrazú – Bright acidity, citrus notes, complex flavors.
- Central Valley – Balanced body, fruity and chocolate undertones.
- Tres Ríos – Elegant, wine‑like coffees with refined acidity.
- Brunca – Floral hints, mild and smooth.
- Guanacaste – Nutty, light body, softer flavors.
- Turrialba – Low acidity, smooth blends.
- Orosi – Sweet, caramel notes with balance.
- West Valley – Honey‑processed beans with floral sweetness.
These regions highlight Costa Rica’s commitment to quality. Farmers carefully select processing methods — washed, honey, or natural — to enhance flavor. Together, they create a mosaic of tastes that appeal to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
Top 11 Costa Rica Coffee Brands
Costa Rica’s coffee industry is built on a foundation of quality, sustainability, and tradition. Every brand represents not just a product, but a story of volcanic soil, high‑altitude farms, and generations of expertise.
Café 1820 Classic
Café 1820 Classic is one of Costa Rica’s most recognized household coffees, often found in kitchens across the country. It represents the traditional Costa Rican cup: bold, aromatic, and crafted for everyday enjoyment.
Defining traits of Café 1820 Classic:
- Roast Level: Dark roast, delivering a strong and full‑bodied flavor.
- Aroma: Fruity notes with a rich, roasted scent.
- Body: Bold and heavy, perfect for those who enjoy intensity.
- Versatility: Works well in drip coffee makers, pour‑over, or French press.
- Accessibility: Widely available and affordable, making it a staple choice.
Café 1820 Classic is more than just a coffee — it’s a cultural symbol of Costa Rican mornings. Its robust flavor pairs well with traditional breakfasts like gallo pinto or fresh pastries, making it a reliable daily brew for those who want a strong, authentic taste of Costa Rica.
Café 1820 Special Reserve
Café 1820 Special Reserve is the premium offering from the brand, designed for coffee drinkers who want a more refined experience. It balances strength with smoothness, highlighting Costa Rica’s high‑altitude beans.
Defining traits of Café 1820 Special Reserve:
- Roast Level: Medium‑dark roast, smoother than the Classic.
- Flavor Notes: Balanced profile with subtle sweetness and mild acidity.
- Aroma: Aromatic and complex, with hints of chocolate and fruit.
- Body: Medium body, offering a clean and elegant finish.
- Quality: Crafted from carefully selected beans for consistency and depth.
Café 1820 Special Reserve elevates the everyday cup into something more sophisticated. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a balanced coffee that doesn’t overpower but still delivers richness.
Café Britt Tarrazú
Café Britt is one of Costa Rica’s most internationally recognized coffee exporters, and their Tarrazú blend showcases the best of the country’s most famous growing region. Tarrazú beans are cultivated at high altitudes in volcanic soil, producing a cup that is both vibrant and complex.
Defining traits of Café Britt Tarrazú:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, highlighting balance and brightness.
- Flavor Notes: Citrus zest, chocolate undertones, and a clean finish.
- Aroma: Fresh, fruity, and slightly floral.
- Body: Medium body with lively acidity.
- Origin: 100% Arabica beans from the Tarrazú region.
Café Britt Tarrazú is ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy a lively, nuanced cup. Its citrus and chocolate balance makes it versatile for pour‑over, drip, or French press brewing.
Doka Estate Coffee
Doka Estate is a family‑owned coffee plantation located on the fertile slopes of the Poás Volcano. With over 70 years of tradition, it produces award‑winning beans that highlight Costa Rica’s volcanic terroir. Their coffee is known for consistency, smoothness, and a clean finish.
Defining traits of Doka Estate Coffee:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, emphasizing balance and sweetness.
- Flavor Notes: Nutty, mild fruit, and subtle caramel.
- Aroma: Sweet and inviting, with hints of cocoa.
- Body: Medium body, smooth and easy‑drinking.
- Origin: Single‑estate beans grown on volcanic slopes.
Doka Estate Coffee is perfect for those who appreciate a refined, approachable cup. Its smooth profile makes it excellent for daily brewing, while its single‑estate origin ensures traceability and quality.
Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry
Volcanica Coffee is known for sourcing rare and specialty beans, and their Costa Rica Peaberry is one of the most distinctive offerings. Peaberry beans occur naturally when only one seed develops inside the coffee cherry instead of two, concentrating flavor and producing a more vibrant cup.
Defining traits of Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, highlighting balance and clarity.
- Flavor Notes: Bright acidity with honey sweetness and tropical fruit hints.
- Aroma: Floral and fruity, with a clean fragrance.
- Body: Smooth, medium body with a lively finish.
- Rarity: Peaberry beans make up only about 5% of a harvest, making them prized among enthusiasts.
Volcanica Costa Rica Peaberry is perfect for coffee drinkers who want something unique and refined. Its concentrated flavor profile makes it excellent for pour‑over or Chemex brewing, where delicate notes shine.
Café Rey
Café Rey is a traditional Costa Rican brand that has been a staple in local households for decades. Known for its bold dark roast, it delivers a strong, straightforward cup that reflects the country’s everyday coffee culture.
Defining traits of Café Rey:
- Roast Level: Dark roast, robust and full‑bodied.
- Flavor Notes: Strong, earthy, with a slightly smoky finish.
- Aroma: Deep roasted scent, comforting and familiar.
- Body: Heavy body, ideal for those who prefer intensity.
- Accessibility: Widely consumed in Costa Rica, now available internationally.
Café Rey embodies the no‑nonsense side of Costa Rican coffee. It’s the kind of brew enjoyed at breakfast tables and roadside cafés across the country.
Café Monteverde
Café Monteverde is grown in the lush cloud forests of Monteverde, a region famous for its biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. The cooperative behind this brand emphasizes eco‑friendly cultivation, ensuring that every cup reflects both flavor and environmental responsibility.
Defining traits of Café Monteverde:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, smooth and balanced.
- Flavor Notes: Floral aroma with subtle fruit and chocolate undertones.
- Aroma: Fresh, clean, and slightly sweet.
- Body: Medium body, silky texture.
- Origin: Beans grown in Monteverde’s high‑altitude cloud forests.
Café Monteverde is ideal for coffee lovers who value sustainability as much as taste. Its smooth, floral profile makes it versatile for drip or pour‑over brewing, while its cooperative roots highlight Costa Rica’s dedication to ethical farming.
Costa Rica Coffee Liquid Gold
Costa Rica Coffee Liquid Gold is a modern brand that blends tradition with sustainability. Known for its fair‑trade practices and eco‑friendly packaging, it offers a balanced cup that appeals to conscious consumers seeking quality and responsibility.
Defining traits of Costa Rica Coffee Liquid Gold:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, approachable and versatile.
- Flavor Notes: Balanced profile with mild sweetness and nutty undertones.
- Aroma: Smooth and inviting, with hints of caramel.
- Body: Medium body, clean finish.
- Sustainability: Fair‑trade certified, small‑batch roasted, eco‑friendly packaging.
Costa Rica Coffee Liquid Gold is perfect for those who want a guilt‑free brew that supports local farmers and the environment.
Café Naranjo
Café Naranjo is produced by a cooperative of farmers in the Naranjo region, one of Costa Rica’s most respected coffee‑growing areas. The cooperative model ensures fair pay for growers while maintaining high standards of quality.
Defining traits of Café Naranjo:
- Roast Level: Medium to dark roast, versatile for different brewing methods.
- Flavor Notes: Chocolate and caramel undertones with mild acidity.
- Aroma: Sweet and inviting, with nutty hints.
- Body: Medium body, smooth and consistent.
- Origin: Cooperative‑grown beans from Naranjo’s highlands.
Café Naranjo is ideal for coffee drinkers who value both taste and ethics. Its cooperative background means every cup supports local farmers, while its chocolate‑caramel profile makes it a comforting daily brew.
Doka Tres Generaciones Costa Rica Coffee
Doka Estate’s Tres Generaciones blend represents three generations of family tradition in coffee cultivation. Grown on the fertile slopes of the Poás Volcano, this coffee highlights Costa Rica’s volcanic terroir and artisanal roasting practices.
Defining traits of Doka Tres Generaciones:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, smooth and approachable.
- Flavor Notes: Balanced sweetness with nutty and cocoa undertones.
- Aroma: Rich and aromatic, with subtle fruit notes.
- Body: Medium body, clean finish.
- Heritage: Produced by a family estate with over 70 years of history.
Doka Tres Generaciones is perfect for those who appreciate tradition and consistency. Its balanced flavor makes it suitable for drip, pour‑over, or French press brewing, offering a refined cup that reflects Costa Rica’s coffee heritage.
Allegro Coffee, Costa Rica El Volcan Whole Bean
Allegro Coffee’s Costa Rica El Volcan Whole Bean is sourced from volcanic regions that give the beans a distinct mineral richness. Allegro emphasizes sustainable sourcing and small‑batch roasting, making this coffee both flavorful and environmentally responsible.
Defining traits of Allegro Costa Rica El Volcan:
- Roast Level: Medium roast, highlighting clarity and balance.
- Flavor Notes: Bright citrus, honey sweetness, and subtle chocolate.
- Aroma: Fresh and lively, with floral hints.
- Body: Medium body, crisp finish.
- Sourcing: Responsibly sourced from volcanic highlands, supporting eco‑friendly practices.
Allegro Costa Rica El Volcan is a great choice for coffee lovers who want a clean, vibrant cup with ethical sourcing.
