Day 7: Metric Juanra Montero Natural
The Story
The Metric story is a super simple one. SMC carried a bunch of their coffees throughout the past year and I became a fan. I’ve found their coffees to be just the right level of sophistication and taste. They are the only coffee on the list from the Middle country, and the only Costa Rican coffee on the list.
About The Beans
Metric - Costa Rica Juanra Montero Natural
| Producer: | Juanra Montero |
|---|---|
| Origin: | Terrazu, Costa Rica |
| Elevation: | 1950 MASL |
| Process: | Natural |
| Roast Level: | Light |
| Flavor Notes: | Dried Pinapple, Fruit Punch, Lime Zest |
| Roasted: | 12-03-24 |
From Metric:
We’re proud to offer our first natural process coffee from four-year Metric partner Juanra Montero. This natural process catuai shines with a big dried fruit sweetness, vibrant red fruit notes, and deep citrus peel acidity.
Juanra’s awareness of the natural world on his farm transforms coffee cultivation into an art. Using biodynamic practices honed over decades, Juanra thoughtfully ensures that every bean tells a story of respect for the earth and how care is what makes great coffee.
In this natural Costa Rican lot, Juanra adds another layer to that story, demonstrating his mastery of processing and how the farmers hand crafts the flavor of a coffee. Skillful fermentation and consistent sun drying in full cherry lend this lot its loud, layered fruit notes and unique finish.
Feedback
From Seth
Day 7 today. This one surprised me. It was my least favorite of the bunch. On its own, in isolation, I’d have enjoyed the cup just fine but against the previous 6 days, it falls short. The main things that kill it for me are that right off the brew it has an intense burnt smell, like it had been sitting on a warming plate for a while. Letting it cool to 55°C for drinking, that nearly goes away but there are some char notes in the back. They’re minor, and again it would be something I’d normally not even think about but for the comparison of all the other stellar coffees so far.
Beyond that, I do get bright and fruity notes, some hints of chocolate and it is a smooth cup on the palate.
It’s been crazy-town here with the new baby and I realize I didn’t put up detailed reviews for days 5 and 6. They were both very good. The Olympia was excellent and Enjoy just a hair behind in second. Tops so far would be a tough call between the Sightglass and Chromatic.
From Zack
This one is interesting. I’m getting. Both sweetness and bitterness are present in the direct shot. I pulled it twice because the first one was too fast, so I needed a smaller grind. Bitterness comes in the first part of the sip, and the sweetness follows. The tasting notes are not right. I’m getting bright and intense flavors. It’s a fruity punch, but not the taste of fruit punch. It’s more like citrus than traditional fruits.
Milk calms down the flavor a bit. It’s still rather tasty, but the sweetness is refined with milk. It’s less of a punch and more of a slap.
