This might just change your routine: A van loaded with 2,000m of Geisha and SL28 is descending from Costa Rica’s highlands today, bypassing brokers entirely. I’m the guy in the backseat, sweating through the drive with a micro-lot of washed Geisha and high-altitude SL28 clamped in plastic bags. These beans didn’t just sit in a warehouse—they were harvested yesterday, depulped tonight, and now they’re on their way to Los Angeles. The journey began at a farmer’s cabin, where we broke bread and swapped stories over coffee brewed from the same lot. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a shortcut to purity. By cutting out middlemen, I’m not just saving time—I’m preserving flavor. The beans retain their vibrancy because they’re processed and moved within hours of harvest.
The real magic happens when you skip the brokers. Costa Rica’s coffee scene is saturated with intermediaries, but direct sourcing means you’re dealing with growers who care about quality, not margins. These farmers are meticulous—some spend weeks perfecting their drying methods, others tweak fermentation times to unlock specific profiles. When you buy direct, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re investing in a relationship. The Geisha here, for example, has a delicate citrus brightness that would fade if it sat in a port for weeks. The SL28, meanwhile, carries a deep chocolatey body that’s only possible when the beans are handled with precision.
But this isn’t just about taste. It’s about transparency. When you source directly, you get to ask questions: How was the harvest timed? What’s the altitude? How did the fermentation go? These details shape the final cup. I’m not here to sell you beans—I’m here to connect. If you’re in LA and want to taste this lot, I’ll trade some green beans for your palate and expertise. And if you’re looking for someone on the ground in Costa Rica to help navigate the export process, I’m your guy.
What’s your take on direct sourcing? Have you ever tasted coffee that made you rethink the supply chain?
Farmer relationships unlock transparency and precision in processing.
KEY POINTS: Direct sourcing bypasses brokers, preserving bean quality and flavor. Farmer relationships unlock transparency and precision in processing. Evaluating beans firsthand ensures you’re getting the truest expression of the crop.
CLOSE: What’s your take on direct sourcing? Have you ever tasted coffee that made you rethink the supply chain?
Questions & Answers
How long does it take to haul coffee from the mountains to the port in Costa Rica?
Hauling takes 2–4 hours, depending on the route. Trucks navigate narrow roads and steep slopes, often with limited space for large loads.
What are the main challenges of sourcing coffee directly in Costa Rica?
Challenges include difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, and time-sensitive transport. Weather and road conditions can delay shipments, impacting freshness and quality.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
