Behind all specialty coffees are special producers, and because of these producers’ exceptional work, we have been able to grow together year after year. For our 20th Anniversary, we’re highlighting our longtime partnership with Sonora Estate, owned by father and son team Alberto and Diego Guardia.
We knew we wanted to celebrate more than just our own journey; we wanted to honor the relationships that have shaped Temple Coffee Roasters from the very beginning. This year’s single origin is a tribute to one of our longest-standing producer partners, whose dedication to their craft has inspired us for over a decade. Our featured coffee comes from Costa Rica Sonara Estate, where generations of farmers have cultivated coffee with care, precision, and respect for the land. Their approach is rooted in tradition yet driven by their passion for bringing specialty coffee to new heights with remarkable quality.
We’re proud to have worked with the Guardia family for over 15 years, and have featured their noteworthy microlot offerings year after year. This lot comes from a Bourbon variety and has been naturally processed, meaning the mucilage was left on the coffee beans during the drying process, which results in a sweet, fruit-forward cup. Temple Coffee Roasters first began working with the Guardia family farm in 2010, and it has remained a cornerstone of our sourcing program ever since. This particular lot was chosen for its exceptional balance, bright fruit notes, silky sweetness, and a warming finish that lingers long after your last sip.
Located near the base of the Poas Volcano in the West Valley of Costa Rica, Hacienda Sonora covers approximately 100 hectares of land. Owned and operated by father-son team Alberto and Diego Guardia, Sonora Estate has remained a fixture of the Costa Rican coffee industry for well over a decade. The Guardia family designates 55 hectares of land for coffee, 10 hectares for sugar cane, and 35 hectares for preserved natural forest. The wild vegetation and diverse ecosystem combine with the nutrient rich volcanic soil to nourish the surrounding coffee trees, and thereby contribute to Sonora Estate's exceptional coffee.
Sonora Estate uses Honey and Natural Processing methods for all their coffees, which helps to conserve a tremendous amount of water. Honey Processed coffees save about three gallons of water per pound of coffee, while the Natural Process uses no water at all. The Guardia family's focus on environmental preservation and overall dedication to their craft has led us to work with them all these years.
This anniversary coffee is a reflection of the trust, collaboration, and shared passion that have fueled Temple’s growth over the years. We are honored to share it with you as a toast to where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Cheers to 20 years of Temple Coffee!
