May 2026: Podium Platinum. Cozy Monster
Country: Costa Rica
Varietals: Java and Catuai
Process: Natural
Producer: San Diego Mill
Elevation: 1,800 MASL
Tasting Notes: Black cherry jam, berry chocolate, black tea
Your coffee:
The San Diego Mill is the most modern mill in Costa Rica. Established in 1888, San Diego has been innovating for well over a century. Today San Diego specializes in coffees from the Tarrazú and Tres Rios regions. The mill takes pride in striving for ever increasing efficiency and quality standards. At the same time the mill has taken a leading role in working with producers to ensure good community relations and sustainable production.
This natural (dry) processed coffee was cultivated by growers in Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region. The smallholders delivered cherry to the San Diego mill and to its satellite receiving stations. Once at the mill, the cherries were sorted, holding back only ripe red cherries for this micro-lot. The cherries were then laid out with the fruit intact and turned regularly to promote even drying and air circulation. After hulling, the coffee was cupped by the quality control team at San Diego and finally sorted to prepare this wild, bold, fruit-forward coffee.
Your roaster:
Cozy Monster's Wenbo 'Joe' Yang is the newly crowned U.S. Coffee Roasting Champion, and the coffee you're receiving here comes from Yang directly.
Cozy Monster is a specialty coffee brand that combines professional quality with a warm, approachable feeling. The name reflects who they are: “Monster” stands for skill, passion, and high standards in coffee, while “Cozy” represents comfort, friendliness, and everyday connection.
Cozy Monster believes great coffee does not need to feel complicated or intimidating. It can be exciting, flavorful, and carefully crafted, while still being easy to enjoy. That balance is at the heart of Cozy Monster.
Their goal is to create coffee that feels special but still welcoming — for both coffee lovers and everyday drinkers. Cozy Monster is famous for caring about quality, flavor, and consistency, but they also care deeply about how coffee makes people feel. For them, coffee is not just about technique. It is also about comfort, joy, and sharing something meaningful with others.
