We've been talking a lot about microlots lately. Why? Because this year we were fortunate to work closely with several farms that have produced additional special lots for us. With that said, you might be wondering: what is a microlot? How do we choose them? Let's put it aside for you!
Microlot Explained
Costa Rica microlots union hand roasted coffee Microlots are special lots of coffee, selected for their high quality and unique flavour profiles. You will usually find microlots within larger farms or estates, grown in limited quantities and picked and processed entirely separately to the rest of the farm’s lots.
Right Combination
Imagine a farm divided into several plots. Each of these parcels can differ from each other for a variety of reasons. This variety can vary depending on the amount of sunlight in different shady trees or in different parts of the farm. It can even be at different heights of the farm or in which direction the plot is oriented. The correct combination of them results in a unique coffee flavor, which differs from the standard flavor profile of coffee. A coffee worth putting in the spotlight!
Processing Stages
Separating Microlot Coffee from large batches during the growing and processing stages poses a challenge for some farmers in terms of infrastructure and logistics. Microlot production is also expensive. We work closely with producer partners to ensure that high-quality coffee is grown and that these practices are sustainable. Through these collaborations and improvements in practice, we have acquired wonderful microlots through partners that we have produced over the years.
How Do We Select Microlots?
It is a complex but fun and brilliant journey. The purchase of microlots requires the preparation of a large number of coffee samples, and due to the Union's long-term and active relationship with its production partners, we are able to choose the crema. We are always looking for a coffee that has a unique taste using the SCA cup protocol to assess its quality.
Natural Process Coffee
In addition, the characteristics we are looking for may vary depending on the amount of coffee we drink. What is a bold fruit or coffee with lots of dark chocolate? We can look for a coffee that works well for espresso or a naturally processed coffee that shows something we've never tried before. Once we have selected, we create a unique roast profile that ensures that the cup profile is the best.
