Blackberry, plum, blackcurrant
About this coffee
Costa Rica West Valley’s Naranjo La Ladera Farm Sumava Micromill, led by Francisco Mena, is introducing a bold new flavor philosophy with the SL28 Black Moon/Koji coffee. This unique lot uses the experimental Black Moon process — a method that relies on controlled fermentation cycles and time to build complexity, resulting in a wine-like, adventurous profile with strong fermentation-driven depth.
Unlike Black Honey, which maximises natural sweetness by retaining fruit mucilage and drying slowly for a mellow, rounded cup, Black Moon is about fermentation control as an art. Named after the new moon night when the process was first created, “Black Moon” symbolizes reset and renewal — a fresh start for each harvest and a new round of flavor experimentation. This coffee is not just a processing method; it’s a mindset that lets flavor bloom anew, making it a standout choice for those seeking bold, experimental, and complex cups.
Flavor Profile
Cupping Notes: Costa Rica Sumava Black Moon opens with deep, grounded notes of blackberry and blackcurrant, then shifts into richer black plum that builds weight and structure. The Black Moon process reveals its final layer with a bright lift of pineapple, citrus, and lime, bringing freshness to the depth. The body is soft and silky with clean, high clarity and a delicate texture, yet held together by slow-built complexity.
Recommended Roast: Roast light to medium-light to preserve the delicate fruit brightness, silky texture, and complex fermentation layers. A darker roast would mute the pineapple and citrus lift and could overpower the nuanced Black Moon character.
Technical Details
- Origin: Coata Rica
- Region: West Valley, Naranjo La Ladera Farm
- Producer: Francisco Mena (Sumava Micromill)
- Altitude: 2,450 meters
- Varietal: SL28
- Processing: Blackmoon
- Sourcing: Pebble