Alright, folks, today’s coffee is a real treat—Costa Rica Los Duran H3 from Belfast roasters, White Star Coffee. This one came as a total curve ball from what I am used to and I got to try it straight outta this absolute showstoppers of a coffee beaker, all disco-style thanks to Frankie B Arts design skills. So, it’s safe to say, even before the first sip, we’re off to a solid start.
The Beans: A Costa Rican Classic with a Twist
These beans come from Finca Los Duran in Costa Rica, one of the best regions for growing high-quality coffee. The variety is H3, a unique hybrid of Ethiopian and Central American cultivars. Grown at 1,700 meters above sea level, this coffee is all about innovation and balance. White Star, staying true to their roots, has sourced this coffee to bring out its brightest and most dynamic flavours.
The Brew: Disco Cups and Chemex Magic
For this one, I went with my trusty Chemex. I figured, if you’ve got beans this good and cups that look this funky, why not keep the process simple and let the coffee speak for itself? And boy, did it deliver. The Chemex brought out the clarity in the cup, and pouring it into Frankie’s disco-designed cups felt like a celebration (as all good coffee moments should be). It was like combining a proper brew with a bit of visual flair—what more could you ask for?
The Tasting Notes: Bright and Balanced
Now, let’s talk flavours. White Star describes this coffee as having notes of red apple, caramel, and a touch of jasmine. The first sip hits with a burst of crisp apple—bright and refreshing—followed by a smooth, caramel sweetness that rounds it all out. There’s this subtle floral finish, almost like jasmine tea, that lingers nicely without overpowering. It’s light but full of flavour, and the Chemex really helps those delicate notes shine however overall I kept getting this intense rich dark cacao note – so much so I could taste it’s intensity for long after I finished my cup – which I couldn’t figure out if it was a good or a bad thing.
White Star Coffee: Brewing Excellence Since Day One
Based out of Belfast, White Star Coffee has made a name for itself by sourcing beans with integrity and roasting them to perfection. They’re all about transparency, quality, and community—something that’s evident in every cup they produce. From single origins to exciting new hybrids like this Costa Rica Los Duran H3, they’re committed to creating coffees that are as dynamic as the people who drink them (and with Frankie’s disco cups, dynamic is definitely the word).
The Verdict: A Brew That Shines as Bright as the Cups
If you’re looking for a coffee that brings some fun to your morning routine, Costa Rica Los Duran H3 is the one. The flavours are richand lively, and the Chemex keeps everything clean and crisp. Paired with Frankie’s disco cups, the whole experience feels like a mini coffee party. It’s one of those brews that makes you pause, savour, and appreciate the little details.
Big thanks to White Star Coffee for their top-notch sourcing and roasting, and to Frankie B Art for making sure my coffee not only tastes good but looks good too. Cheers to festive brews, great gifts, and mornings that start with a bit of sparkle!
