Costa Rica Hacienda Sonora Victoria 14 – Natural

Raisins, citrus, and a delicate cognac-like note come together in a sweet, juicy, and aromatically expressive cup. Natural processing concentrates fruit and sweetness while retaining enough balance to keep the profile intense without becoming excessively fermentative.

Victoria 14 shows an especially appealing combination of depth, ripe fruit, and lightly boozy aromatics, supported by citrus freshness that keeps the cup lively from beginning to end.

Flavor Profile

• Main notes: cognac, raisins, and citrus
• Acidity: medium, citrus-driven, and lively
• Body: medium to full, juicy, and enveloping
• Aftertaste: long, sweet, and lightly boozy
• Overall profile: sweet, saturated, lively, and balanced

Raisins provide deep and concentrated sweetness. Citrus introduces freshness and contrast, while the cognac-like note appears as a warm and elegant aromatic accent.

As the coffee cools, the fruit becomes more clearly defined and the balance between ripe fruit, acidity, and sweetness becomes increasingly apparent.

Origin and Processing

This coffee comes from Hacienda Sonora, located in Costa Rica's Central Valley, and is produced by Alberto and Diego Guardia.

The coffee trees grow at 1,300 m.a.s.l. Hacienda Sonora has developed extensive experience working with diverse coffee varieties and natural processing.

Victoria 14 is a resilient variety that combines useful agronomic characteristics with interesting sensory potential when the cherries are carefully selected and processed.

During natural processing, the coffee cherries are dried whole, leaving the skin and fruit around the seed throughout the drying stage.

This extended contact encourages greater concentration of sugars and aromatic compounds. In the cup, it contributes additional body, sweetness, and fruit expression, while this particular lot retains balanced structure and pleasant citrus freshness.

Why You’ll Love It

• Deep sweetness: raisins provide a concentrated and ripe character
• Distinctive aromatics: a delicate cognac-like note adds complexity
• Citrus freshness: balances the body and keeps the cup lively
• Balanced natural: intense and expressive while remaining approachable

Ideal for

• V60: highlights citrus and provides greater separation between aromatic layers
• Origami: enhances fruit, vibrancy, and natural-process character
• AeroPress: develops greater body and depth in the raisin notes
• Cold brew: produces a sweet, fruit-forward, and refreshing drink
• Modern espresso: for an intense, juicy, and lightly boozy extraction
• Cupping or tasting: particularly rewarding for observing its development as it cools

Technical Details

• Origin: Costa Rica
• Region: Central Valley
• Farm: Hacienda Sonora
• Producers: Alberto and Diego Guardia
• Species: Arabica
• Variety: Victoria 14
• Processing: Natural
• Altitude: 1,300 m.a.s.l.
• SCA score: 87
• Tasting notes: cognac, raisins, and citrus
• Profile: lively, saturated, sweet, and balanced

Summary

A sweet and expressive Costa Rican Victoria 14 with raisins, citrus, and an elegant cognac-like note. Natural processing provides body and concentration, while citrus freshness keeps the cup lively and balanced.