Puerto Rico - Frankie Gonzalez - Oak Barrel Aged

SUGGESTED BREW METHODS: Pour Over | AeroPress | French Press | Espresso

ORIGIN HISTORY:
Coffee has been part of Puerto Rico’s story since the early 1700s, when Spanish settlers introduced coffee cultivation to the island’s fertile mountain regions. By the late 1800s, Puerto Rico had become one of the world’s most respected coffee origins, exporting sought-after coffees throughout Europe and the Americas. While production declined during the 20th century, a new generation of specialty coffee producers is helping restore the island’s reputation through a focus on quality, innovation, and distinctive farm-level processing.

FARM PROCESS:
This coffee comes from Hacienda Encanto Natural in the mountains of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. The farm is owned by Frankie Gonzalez, a producer recognized within Puerto Rico's specialty coffee community for his innovative approach to coffee processing and fermentation. Known for experimenting with unique processing methods and carefully crafted microlots, Gonzalez has helped showcase the potential of modern Puerto Rican specialty coffee. This Catuai variety underwent 48 hours of anaerobic fermentation before being dried as a natural process. After drying, the green coffee was aged in oak barrels from December 2025 through February 2026, allowing the beans to absorb subtle barrel characteristics that add depth and complexity to the final cup. Our partners at Huxley & Hiro recently visited Hacienda Encanto Natural, meeting the team firsthand and helping establish the relationship that allowed us to bring this rare coffee to Dueling Rabbits.

CUP PROFILE:
Expect a rich, layered cup with decadent sweetness, warming oak character, and a spirit-inspired complexity. Notes of chocolate and caramel are complemented by subtle whisky-like nuances, creating a unique drinking experience unlike traditional Puerto Rican coffees.

Notes: Chocolate, Caramel, Toasted Oak

Producer: Frankie Gonzalez

Process: Natural | Oak Barrel Aged

Variety: Catuai

Region: San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico

Altitude: 610 MASL

Roast: Medium