At Otintiko, you can find your coffee according to your favorite aromas. Floral, fruity, chocolatey, caramelized among others, discover the different aromas offered by beans from the different coffee-growing regions of Costa Rica, choose the ones you like, order your tasting samples, analyze their aromas, to find your favorite coffees.

The aromas of Costa Rican coffees

Like wine, coffee has to be tasted. In the world of oenology, there are some 500 distinct aromas,in the case of coffee there are twice as many, amounting to some 1,000 aromas not to mention the many nuances. The aromatic profile is one of the main reasons why coffee lovers appreciate this beverage. When coffee is grown, processed, roasted and brewed according to the rules of the art, every cup of coffee is unique.

The aroma of coffee refers to the smells perceptible when tasting coffee. It is distinct from taste, although both contribute to the overall tasting experience. Coffee aromas are generated by the volatile compounds present in coffee beans, which are released during the roasting process and during infusion.

Costa Rica, a myriad of complex aromas

Costa Rican coffees are renowned for their quality, complex aromas and distinct flavor profiles. Aromatic characteristics can vary according to growing region, altitude, bean type and processing methods. Here are some of the aromatic profiles commonly associated with Costa Rican coffees:

• Floral aromas: Some Costa Rican coffees feature delicate floral aromas, such as jasmine or orange blossom. These notes add a complex aromatic dimension to the tasting experience.
• Fruity notes: Costa Rican coffees can offer fruity aromas, including notes of berries, citrus, cherries or other tropical fruits. These fruity notes contribute to the freshness of the aromatic profile.
• Honey and caramel nuances:Some Costa Rican coffees have honey, caramel or raw sugar aromas. These sweet nuances often complement the lively acidity of these coffees.
• Spicy aromas:Some coffees may feature spicy aromas, such as cinnamon, cardamom or other spices, adding a warm, complex dimension.
• Chocolate aromas: Notes of chocolate, whether dark chocolate, milk chocolate or cocoa, may be present in some Costa Rican coffees.
• Nutty aromas: Nuances of walnut, almond or hazelnut can also be detected in some coffees, adding a dimension of aromatic richness.
• Tobacco or woody aromas: Some Costa Rican coffees may have earthy, tobacco or woody aromas, adding a robust touch to the flavor profile.

Aroma analysis, a nose story?

Did you know that 80% of perceived aromas pass through the nose and the remaining 20% through the mouth, during a sensory analysis? By inhaling the smell of freshly-ground coffee, even before tasting it, and then breathing deeply during tasting (retro olfaction and direct olfaction), you can assess its aroma. The interaction between coffee aroma and taste creates a complex and rich sensory experience for coffee lovers. Experts, particularly Q-Graders, after cupping, use a "Flavor Wheel", an indispensable tool invented by the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), to determine the aroma of the cup. This helps to characterize the sensory profile of a particular coffee.

How do I find the flavours I like?

At Otintiko, all the coffees we distribute are cupped, enabling you to find the aromas that will tickle your sense of smell, a sense very closely linked to memories. So don't wait any longer and order several coffee tasting samples of your choice, so you can taste them all, to find the coffee aroma you love.