Chopin Coffee Beans

The Costa Rican Musician Series is a classic specialty coffee from the Tarrazú region, produced by the Finca Cantaros estate. The names of these coffee beans come from the estate owner’s love for classical music—naming their beans after iconic composers such as Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach.

Each of the four musician series coffees from Finca Cantaros has its own distinct characteristics. First, they are all different varieties—previously introduced special varieties include H1 (Mozart coffee beans) and F1 (Bach coffee beans), while the Beethoven coffee bean is of the Yellow Caturra variety. In addition, their processing methods also vary: the Mozart coffee bean uses a raisin honey process, the Bach coffee bean is processed anaerobically, and the Beethoven coffee bean is washed.

The Chopin coffee bean shares the same variety as the Beethoven coffee bean—both are Yellow Caturra—but they differ in growing altitude and processing method. The Yellow Caturra used for the Chopin coffee bean is grown at an altitude of 1700m and is processed using the raisin honey method, whereas the Beethoven coffee bean comes from 1900m and is washed. As a result, their flavor profiles differ: the Beethoven coffee bean, due to its higher altitude and washed process, exhibits a more pronounced acidity along with a vibrant spectrum of fruity notes typical of the Yellow Caturra variety.

The Chopin coffee bean, on the other hand, offers a more complex flavor profile. Also processed with the raisin honey method, the Yellow Caturra undergoes a longer fermentation period, developing richer and sweeter flavors. According to brewing tests by Front Street Coffee, it highlights bright citrus and tea-like notes, with a tartness reminiscent of berries. As the temperature cools, deeper fermented aromas emerge. Of course, brewing with different water temperatures will slightly alter the flavor expression of the Chopin coffee bean.