This coffee is grown by the Alvarado family at Finca El Salitre in Buena Vista, Rivas, Brunca, Costa Rica at 1700-1850 meters altitude. The variety is Catuai and it undergoes a Reposado Natural processing method. The cherries are left in a receiving tank for 3-4 days to encourage controlled fermentation, then passed through a recycled water floating system before being dried on raised beds for 25-30 days. Flavor notes include dark chocolate, prune, and molasses. El Salitre is a 12-hectare plantation planted around 10 years ago with Catuai trees.
Pair Cupworks is a specialty micro roastery in Mesa, Arizona, founded by Kimhak Em and Eugenia Tai. Kimhak brings over 30 years of food service experience and a culinary background; Eugenia combines structural engineering with commercial illustration and handles the brand's visual identity. They began roasting in 2017, initially selling beans online while working day jobs, and opened their first coffee bar in 2020. Food & Wine Magazine named them Best Coffee Roaster in the state in 2022. They roast in small batches with the goal of developing clean flavours that respect the work of farmers and producers. Wholesale clients now stretch across the US and into Europe and Asia.
