Ruby Coffee Roasters' Costa Rica Don Joel Kenia showcases one of the region's most exciting varieties grown at a single-origin farm in the scenic West Valley. Allan Oviedo and his son Ignacio cultivate Kenia—a Kenyan cultivar prized for its vibrant acidity—across their 12-hectare estate near Grecia, producing an impressive 350 fanegas per harvest at their own washing mill. This light roast captures the variety's signature brightness and complexity, with a flavor profile that shifts beautifully from black currant and grapefruit to brown sugar sweetness and ripe plum.
Tasting Notes
Expect a lively cup that opens with tart black currant and pink grapefruit, softening into brown sugar sweetness with a plum-like finish. The body is silky and medium-light, while the acidity is bright and citrus-forward without being sharp. The finish lingers with subtle stone fruit and a clean, refreshing aftertaste. This coffee drinks like a summer morning—energetic, clear, and full of nuance. It's expressive enough to stand out in milk but shines brightest when brewed black, where its layered fruit notes can fully develop.
Brew Methods
This Kenia variety excels in pour over methods like V60 or Chemex, where its bright acidity and fruit-forward character come alive. Try a medium-fine grind with water just off boil (200–205°F) to highlight the grapefruit and currant notes. It also performs beautifully as filter espresso for those with modern, low-pressure machines—pull a longer shot around 1:2.5 ratio to capture the brown sugar sweetness without over-extraction. French press works too, though you'll trade some clarity for a rounder, more syrupy body. Avoid dark roast brewing temperatures; this coffee wants to stay light and lively.
About the Farm
Allan Oviedo has owned Don Joel for over a decade, farming alongside family members whose estates dot the hillsides below Volcán Poás. His coffees routinely place in Cup of Excellence competitions, a testament to his meticulous processing and sustainable practices. As climate patterns shift in Costa Rica, Allan has adopted mechanical drying alongside traditional patio methods, ensuring consistent quality even during unexpected rains. Ruby's team visited the farm in March 2023 and fell in love with both the coffee and Allan's commitment to the land.
Ruby roasts this coffee to order—place your order by 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Monday, or Wednesday, and it roasts the next day. Clive's coffee specialists are always available to help you dial in grind settings and recommend brewing equipment that brings out the best in fruit-forward Central American lots like this one.