Launching Our New Costa Rican Coffee
We’re excited to introduce our latest single origin release: a beautifully balanced, small-batch coffee from San Rafael, Tarrazú, Costa Rica. Known for its clean profile, creamy body and notes of plum and dark chocolate, this coffee captures everything we love about the region. It is refined, expressive, and incredibly drinkable.
A Legacy That Changed Coffee Forever
To understand why Costa Rica plays such a key role in the world of specialty coffee, we need to go back to the 1970s and one remarkable woman: Erna Knutsen.
Often referred to as the Godmother of Specialty Coffee, Knutsen was the first to use the term specialty coffee, setting the stage for the industry as we know it today. She believed in valuing coffee for its flavour and origin, not just its function. Costa Rica was one of the first origins she celebrated.
Through direct relationships with farmers and a deep appreciation for the country’s potential, she helped elevate Costa Rican coffee on the global stage.
From the Area of the Saints – Tarrazú, Costa Rica
Our new release comes from San Rafael in Tarrazú, a region often called the Area of the Saints. It is one of the most respected coffee-growing areas in Central America.
What makes Tarrazú so special?
High altitude farming creates dense, flavour-packed beans. This coffee is graded as Strictly Hard Bean, meaning it is grown above 1,200 metres.
Volcanic soil gives depth and richness to the cup.
Washed processing ensures clarity, structure and a clean finish.
Flavour Profile
This coffee has a creamy body with a sweet, well-rounded flavour. Expect:
Notes of plum and red fruit
A gentle chocolatey depth
Smooth acidity and a clean finish
It performs beautifully across brew methods, especially:
Espresso, where the balance and depth shine
Flat whites and cappuccinos, thanks to its creamy structure
Filter brews, which bring out its sweet complexity
Why It Matters
At Old Chapel Coffee, we focus not only on flavour but also on where and how our beans are grown. Costa Rican producers have long prioritised quality over quantity, with a dedication to sustainable farming and processing.
This coffee from Tarrazú’s San Rafael area is no exception. It is sweet, structured, and full of character.
Now available in limited quantities. Freshly roasted to order. Taste a part of coffee’s rich history.