This Costa Rican coffee originates from Hacienda Sonora in the Central Valley at 1,300 meters altitude. It features the SL-28 variety processed using the Natural Piramide method, where cherries are covered and layered pyramidically to moderate fermentation over 12 days. The coffee exhibits balanced tart and funk characteristics with notes of tartness, sourness, and subtle earthiness, creating a complex flavor profile.
Brian Zhou runs Thoughtful Coffee as a one person nanoroaster operation in Brooklyn, New York. A software engineer by profession, Zhou financed an Aillio Bullet home roaster and built the business around three core values: transparency in pricing and process, humane relationships over profit maximization, and strict quality control. The focus is on small batch light roasts with floral, fruity, and complex profiles, sourcing unusual and distinctively processed coffees at accessible prices. Zhou documents his roasting process and collects customer feedback openly through a Substack publication, making the entire operation as legible as possible.
