Don Cayito

Don Cayito is a prominent coffee estate situated in the high-elevation mountains of Tarrazú, Costa Rica. The farm is managed by the Calderón family, with Ricardo Calderón Madrigal serving as a central figure in its development. The name 'Don Cayito' serves as a tribute to the family's great-grandfather, Ricardo Calderón, who was affectionately known as 'Caito.' Since acquiring the land in 2013, the family has transformed the property into a benchmark for specialty coffee production, leveraging the unique microclimates of the region to cultivate high-quality lots.

The farm is particularly celebrated for its cultivation of the Geisha variety, which has become synonymous with the Don Cayito name. By focusing on high-altitude conditions—often reaching nearly 2,000 meters above sea level—the family has been able to produce coffees characterized by high cup purity, delicate floral aromatics, and pronounced sweetness. This commitment to quality is supported by a rigorous approach to both cultivation and post-harvest processing.

Processing innovation is a cornerstone of the farm's success. The Calderón family has demonstrated a willingness to experiment with various methods, including honey and washed processes, to highlight the inherent qualities of their coffee. This hands-on control over the drying and fermentation stages allows them to bridge the gap between traditional profiles and the complex, fruit-forward notes often sought by specialty roasters and international juries.

Don Cayito’s reputation is firmly cemented by its extraordinary performance in the Cup of Excellence (CoE) competition. The farm has achieved the prestigious first-place position on three separate occasions, a rare feat that underscores their consistency. Notably, a 2018 lot from the farm made headlines for its record-breaking performance, fetching over $300 per pound during the auction, which highlighted the global demand for their specific production style.

For the specialty coffee industry, Don Cayito represents the intersection of traditional Costa Rican coffee heritage and modern, precision-driven agriculture. Their success has helped redefine expectations for Tarrazú coffee, proving that meticulous attention to detail at the farm level can yield world-class results. The farm's ability to repeatedly secure top-tier scores in international competitions serves as a testament to the family's discipline and vision.

Today, Don Cayito remains a focal point for roasters and enthusiasts looking for the pinnacle of Costa Rican coffee. By maintaining a focus on quality over volume and continuing to refine their processing techniques, the Calderón family continues to influence the specialty market. Their story is one of transformation, where a piece of land was turned into a globally recognized source of some of the most sought-after coffee beans in the world.