Wegmans Supermarkets If you’re a coffee fan like me, you’re always on the hunt for beans that deliver a truly unique and delicious flavor experience. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the grocery store I have been going to since 2016 had one hidden in plain sight. Wegmans’ Costa Rica Tarrazu checks all the boxes with its creamy, buttery smoothness and unexpected notes of pepper. This single origin coffee hails from the fertile Tarrazu region in Costa Rica’s central valley. The description on the golden bag promises a “creamy with a buttery finish” profile, and it absolutely delivers on that rich, velvety mouthfeel. But what sets it apart for me is the delightful hint of fresh pepper that emerges, complementing the buttery notes with a bright, vegetal spiciness. The peppery flavor is unmistakable without being overwhelming; not a harsh black pepper kick, but more of a vibrant, crisp bell pepper or jalapeño type of flavor. It has that distinctive fresh capsicum taste, slightly grassy with a mild fruity tanginess. This pepper note adds a lively lift to the smooth, creamy body of the coffee. This combo creates a multi-layered flavor profile that makes this one of the best coffees I’ve tried. The fresh pepper highlight is a unique accent to the rich, but more common base notes. The Tarrazu area is renowned as one of Costa Rica’s premier coffee growing regions, located on the slopes of the Talamanca mountains at elevations around 1,200-1,700 meters. The high altitude, ample rainfall, and volcanic loam soils create an ideal environment for cultivating exceptional arabica beans. Costa Rican coffees are prized for their bright acidity, full body, and clean finish – all characteristics embodied by this Tarrazu offering from the Wegmans brand. For coffee newbies and connoisseurs alike, this Costa Rica Tarrazu is an excellent choice to explore the nuanced flavors of a high-quality single origin. Its smooth yet complex taste profile showcases why this small Central American nation’s beans are so esteemed worldwide. If you spot that shiny gold bag at your local Wegmans, do yourself a favor and take these remarkable roasts for a spin.