Finca El Alto - Costa Rica - White Honey SL28

Nestled in the rugged hills of Chirripó, Costa Rica, Finca El Alto is part of a coffee-growing region celebrated for its pristine microclimates and innovative processing methods. Owned and run by Eugenio Portuguez Hernández, the farm has consistently achieved acclaim for its high-quality coffee, frequently appearing in the prestigious Cup of Excellence competitions. This lot is made solely using the SL28 coffee variety. Single tree selections made at Scott Laboratories (established by the colonial British government in Kenya in 1922, it conducted agricultural research, as well as provided technical advice and training to Kenyan farmers) during the period of 1935-1939 were prefixed SL. SL28 belongs to the Bourbon genetic group, and was selected and bred for its drought resistance as well as its outstanding high cup quality. SL28 is one of the most well-known and prized coffee varieties of Eastern Africa. Over the years, it has spread from Kenya to other parts of Africa as well as Central and South America, and most importantly, Hermes' farm, where it maintains it bright, syrupy texture and elegant cup profile, but with a Costa Rican twist.

The farm was acquired in 1990 and started its trasformation into a coffee farm the same year; previously the farm was cattle pasture. Coffee production has been a family tradition for many years and for several generations.

El Alto is also part of Los Crestones, a community-owned micro-mill in Chirripó, Costa Rica. exemplifies innovation and sustainability in specialty coffee. Managed by APROCONPI (Asociación de Productores y Productoras Conservacionistas de La Piedra de Rivas), the mill supports several family-run farms. Los Crestones helps its members produce exceptional microlots using advanced facilities and diverse processing methods. Sustainability is at the heart of Los Crestones’ operations, with eco-friendly practices like solar-powered drying, water-efficient processing, and organic farming promotion. These initiatives protect Chirripó’s unique biodiversity and align with Costa Rica’s broader goals of environmental stewardship. Neon is proud to partner with Los Crestones for a second consecutive year, and to share our commitment to transparency and excellence.

SCA Cup Score: 89

Quantity Purchased: 69kg

Free On Board: 8.50 USD/lb

Free On Truck: 9.91 USD/lb

Processing begins with the selective harvesting of ripe coffee cherries, which are then pulped to remove the outer skin while retaining 20% of the mucilage. The cherries are spread on patios and raised drying beds and are carefully monitored and turned periodically to ensure uniform drying over several weeks. As the mucilage dries, it takes on a white hue, indicating the sugar content and level of fermentation. Once dried to the desired moisture content, the mucilage is removed, and the beans are sorted and allowed to rest to stabilize moisture and mature the flavors.