by At Beans and Burrs, we are amateur coffee lovers. We intend to write coffee reviews in a way that makes sense to regular coffee drinkers. All opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you’re a coffee lover, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Hacienda Muñoz in Puerto Rico. This exceptional coffee plantation offers dark roast specialty coffee to satisfy even the most discerning coffee connoisseur. Add Hacienda Muñoz to your must-visit list and experience Puerto Rico’s best coffee.
Coffee Plantation Visit
Last year, my family and I decided to visit Puerto Rico for our spring break. As coffee enthusiasts, we couldn’t miss the chance to explore a coffee plantation. The closest coffee farm to San Juan is Hacienda Muñoz, located in San Lorenzo, just a short 30-minute drive away.
Hacienda Muñoz is a beautiful and charming place awarded three consecutive years of first place in the Best Coffee People’s Choice Award at the Coffee and Chocolate Expo. They offer guided tours in English every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10 AM for $20 per adult and $10 per child between 6-12 years old.
During the tour, our knowledgeable and friendly guide provided us with a fascinating insight into the history of coffee, from its origins to the production process until it reaches our cups. The plantation grounds are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surroundings. We arrived early and enjoyed a delicious coffee on their lovely patio.
However, the service at the plantation could have been better, and their espresso skills did not impress us. Nevertheless, the coffee tour was excellent, and we received a small tasting of coffee at the end. We also had the opportunity to describe the flavors we tasted.
To continue enjoying the coffee at home, we bought a bag of their specialty coffee as a souvenir. Overall, it was a memorable experience I highly recommend to anyone visiting Puerto Rico.
Review of Hacienda Muñoz Dark Special – Specialty Coffee
I don’t understand why they call it “dark” because it seems like a moderately dark roast and is my favorite roast level for making espresso. The beans are fresh; when you open the bag, they release a lovely, sweet fragrance.
Espresso:
Naturally, I tried making an espresso with these beans first, and I immediately noticed a thick, velvety texture when I pulled my first shot. The nutty flavors are the most prominent taste, and there is a hint of chocolate, but the sweetness from the nuts stands out. A bright note in the coffee balances the sweetness, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint the flavor. It’s unlike lemon or any fruit flavor but adds a pleasant complexity to the coffee. Overall, it’s a simple, flavorful coffee that’s easy to drink, and I wish to find it where I live because it would be a great daily espresso.
You might want to read this fantastic article: How to Make Your First Espresso Shots?
French Press:
This coffee is also great for French press brewing because of its sweet, nutty flavors. As expected, the cup I brewed with the French press was similar to the espresso. It has the same sweet, nutty flavors and a more prominent acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly. The coffee is smooth, comforting, and easy to drink, and the nutty aftertaste lingers on the tongue. It’s almost like a pastry because eating a Danish pastry leaves the same aftertaste. Best of all, there’s no unpleasant aftertaste.
You might want to read this fantastic article: How to Make Your Coffee Look Sophisticated? Get a French Press!
The bottom line
In conclusion, despite its name, the “dark” roast coffee is a moderately dark roast that can be a perfect choice for people who enjoy a sweet, nutty flavor in their coffee. The coffee is versatile and can be used for espresso and French press brewing. The balanced acidity in the coffee adds complexity to the flavor profile, making it smooth, comforting, and easy to drink. It’s a simple yet flavorful coffee that leaves a pleasant aftertaste and can be a great daily espresso for coffee lovers.
