Cupping Notes: stewed apricot, tangelo, panela

Cerro Buena Vista Micromill

BRUNCA REGION, CHIRRIPO

SUBREGION PART OF FRIENDS OF AQUIARES

The journey of this small wet mill began during the 2015–2016 harvest. A year earlier, the family had already started facing economic challenges: delivering their coffee cherries to the cooperative was no longer sustainable. At the same time, they carried the dream of adding value to their farm by building a wet mill—a bold first step toward creating both identity and value for their coffee. In 2015, they processed their very first 21 fanegas, equivalent to about 20 quintals of green coffee. Without their own pulping equipment yet, they relied on a neighbor to handle the milling. What they did have, however, was a modest greenhouse where they dried that first coffee—an experiment that marked the beginning of their transformation. Their farm is located in Buena Vista de Rivas, Pérez Zeledón, within the Brunca coffee region and the Chirripó subregion. Over the years, they have planted and carefully tended a diverse range of varieties: from SL28, Ethiopian landraces, Java, Milenio, Villa Sarchí, and Geisha, to more traditional cultivars such as Caturra and Catuai. With each harvest, they evaluate these varieties with a dual focus on productivity and cup quality. What started as a small-scale initiative has grown significantly. In the most recent 2024–2025 harvest, they processed 500 fanegas—their most productive year so far. Among their greatest achievements has been genetic improvement through the introduction of new varieties, which has directly translated into a remarkable increase in quality. Throughout their journey, they have sought out training opportunities and connected with people across the specialty coffee industry. These experiences have helped them refine their practices, understand the needs of their clients, and reach markets willing to recognize and reward the value of their coffee. What sets them apart is their determination to keep learning and growing—drawing knowledge from fellow actors in the coffee chain, from workshops, and from hands-on experimentation. Their vision is clear: to improve year after year in farm management, infrastructure, coffee varieties, and milling processes, always with the goal of producing better coffees and creating lasting value.

Lica Torres – Washed Catuai

Farm: La Fila

Lot: El Cristóbal

Altitude: 1,600 masl

 ● Ripe cherries are harvested, depulped, and left to ferment for 12 hours in a fermentation tank. Afterward, the coffee is washed with water and dried on African beds for 8 days.

Canada Post Strike

CUPW has issued a strike notification to Canada Post.  They have yet to say whether this will be a rotating strike or whether it will be a nationwide shut down.  During this time we are going to continue to try and offer free shipping using wither Purolator or UPS so that our customers can continue to ensure that they get there parcels in a timely manner.  Although we would like to say that we will be able to offer this service to all of our customers for some orders this is simply not feasible.

We hope that this strike will not last for long and hope that you will continue to support our business during these difficult days.  We appreciate your patience and understanding in these matters.

Canadian Customers

Pre-Umber is happy to offer our Canadian customers free shipping on all orders over $100.00 (Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon there is a flat rate fee)  Orders qualifying for free shipping will be sent via Canada Post Expedited Parcel service, UPS or Purolator depending on your address.  If you do not want to use the free shipping option you will have the option to choose which method you would like us to ship and you simply pay what we have to pay for shipping.

If your cart just doesn't seem to total up to $100.00, don't worry.  Pre-Umber offers real-time carrier shipping through Canada Post as well as other courier services.  To access these other couriers you can not use a PO Box but must use a physical address.  You will see the real-tie pricing and can choose the method of shipping that you would like. 

Pre-Umber wants you to enjoy your coffee or merchandise as soon as we can get it to you, so we always strive to send your order out within 24 hours of having received it.

To see the Canada Post delivery standards please follow this link and use our Postal code T4J 1R1. Delivery Standards

United States of America Customers

Pre-Umber is now shipping to customers in the continental United States of America.  We are using Canada Post/USPS for shipping so as to include the greatest number of customers. 

We are offering a flat rate shipping fee:

0 - 12 Pounds a flat rate of $20 CND (way cheaper in USD)

12 -20 Pounds a flat rate of $35 CND (still way cheaper in USD)

31-55 Pounds a flat rate of $60 CND (still very cheap in USD)

If you would rather not use the flat rate option you can choose to use Expedited Parcel USA or Xpresspost USA at your own expense.

We do our best to ship all orders within 24 hours of receiving the order and many are shipping within a matter of hours.

We look forward to serving all your home coffee roasting needs.