Introduction:The Musician Series from Costa Rica’s Carnet Estate features coffees named after Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, showcasing the perfect blend of classical music inspiration and high-altitude strictly hard bean (SHB) coffee. This article takes an in-depth look at the 2019 vintage of the Musician Series, focusing on the Caturra variety, covering its flavor profile and pour over brewing recommendations to help you find your ideal match.

In the world of specialty coffee, the naming of beans often carries stories and unique characteristics. Beyond common geographic names, some coffees are named after historical figures or musicians, adding a rich cultural dimension. The “Musician Series” from Costa Rica’s Carnet Estate is one such example, named after classical music masters like Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, with each coffee expressing a distinct flavor personality.

This small family-run estate, managed by three brothers, is located in the high-altitude regions of Costa Rica’s Tarrazú coffee-growing area, with plantations situated between 1700 and 1950 meters above sea level. These elevations qualify the beans as SHB (Strictly Hard Bean), or 极硬豆. Such altitude conditions contribute to richer flavors, firmer acidity, and more complex aromatic profiles in the coffee.

Carnet Estate primarily cultivates the Caturra and Catuaí varieties, and through honey process and washed processing methods, it has created the diverse-flavored Musician Series. In the 2019 harvest, the estate focused particularly on the Caturra variety, using different processing techniques to reinterpret the classic musical styles through coffee.

Caturra is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety, not only offering stronger disease resistance but also better adaptability to high-altitude environments. As elevation increases, Caturra tends to exhibit brighter acidity, more complex fruit aromas, and longer-lasting aftertastes — all reasons why the Musician Series has garnered international attention.

Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region is renowned for its fertile, mineral-rich volcanic soils. The nearby Poás Volcano (2708 meters), Barva Volcano (2906 meters), and Irazú Volcano (3432 meters) provide abundant nutrients, and the slightly acidic soil properties create highly expressive coffee flavors, especially suitable for growing high-quality strictly hard beans.

Each coffee in the Musician Series has its own unique processing method and flavor direction. Among them, “Bach” stands out for its refined and well-structured aroma. Even in the dry scent, you can detect sweet fruity notes of strawberry, blackberry, and raisin, which develop into pronounced floral and fruity tones after brewing. On the palate, it offers a balanced sweetness and acidity, with a hint of wine-like aroma in the mid-to-late stages, reminiscent of the richness of red wine. As it cools, it reveals even more candied fruit sweetness and a plum wine-like finish, as if immersing you in the opulent world of Baroque art.

“Beethoven,” on the other hand, displays a completely different personality. Legend has it that Beethoven insisted on counting exactly 60 coffee beans when brewing his coffee, and this coffee mirrors his persona with intense drama. Processed using the washed method, Beethoven delivers a bright and refreshing flavor. The dry aroma carries notes of red berries (especially strawberry) and flowers, while the cup offers a tangy-sweet taste of green grapes and red berries. The overall mouthfeel is clean and smooth, with a full yet balanced acidity. As it cools, the berry notes become even more pronounced, earning it praise from many coffee enthusiasts as the “embodiment of summer romance.” It’s highly recommended for pour over lovers who enjoy bright, tangy, and sweet profiles.

As for “Mozart,” it showcases the flamboyance and exuberance characteristic of the child prodigy musician. Previous versions used Yellow Catuaí with red honey processing, known for their intense floral aromas. The 2019 vintage, however, is based on Caturra, presenting a rounder sweetness and richer fruit character. During brewing, it emits elegant white floral notes akin to orange blossom, with a cup profile featuring deep berry and raisin flavors. The mid-to-late stages bring subtle plum acidity and a sweet aftertaste reminiscent of gummy bears. Even as it cools, the floral and sweet notes remain prominent, making it a coffee of exceptional complexity and lingering finish.

In summary, the Musician Series from Carnet Estate is not just coffee — it’s a sensory journey that blends music and flavor. Whether you prefer bold wine-like notes, bright and tangy profiles, or lush fruity aromas, you’ll find a favorite among these three coffees. For pour over brewing, we recommend the following parameters: medium-fine grind (such as BG 15X or equivalent), water temperature around 90–92°C, a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, and a multi-pour method to fully highlight the nuances and layers of each coffee.

Each coffee in the Musician Series represents Carnet Estate’s deep understanding of terroir, variety, and processing. Whether you’re new to coffee or a seasoned enthusiast, you’re sure to discover endless enjoyment and surprises.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.