When I managed a busy coffee shop in Boulder, Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto was one of the most outstanding varietals that we carried. Unfortunately tropical storms late in 2000 and bad weather combined to make the 2001 crop a disaster. Coffee is much like wine in the aspect that the weather and the harvest can ruin varietals that were excellent in previous years. Such was the case with Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto in 2001. Some time has passed and this coffee has returned to the forefront of my personal favorites.

Tasting Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto
My preference for Yauco Selecto is a medium roast. Darker roast tend to overwhelm the flavor of this bean, hazing over its appeal with muted smoky tones. Full city is about as dark as I prefer Yauco Selecto.

I always use a French Press when tasting a new coffee. There is no better way to ensure that you are getting all of the flavor and texture that the beans have to offer. Drip coffee is bland by comparision.

The aroma of Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto is slightly floral, a little nutty, though not particularly fruity. It has an earthy, nutty flavor, and is just slightly sweet, but not as you would find in a Hawaiian or South American coffee. In fact, Yauco Selecto has a very mild level of acidity contrary to the norm for both of those regions. The overall flavor is good, certainly not complex like a typical Kenyan or Ethiopian bean. The body, however, is amazing.

Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto has a very thick, buttery texture. The body is almost as smooth as whole milk on the tongue. It is one of the richest, smoothest coffees that I have experienced. The overall effect is much more comparable to a good Sumatra or Sulawesi than what you would expect from our side of the hemisphere. The finish unveils just a hint of chocolate on your tongue.

Buying Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto
Yauco Selecto isn’t cheap. It usually runs about $20 a pound when I find it. Finding it would be the bigger problem. Locally it blips on and off the radar with frequent regularity. Still it has such a devoted following that it is a shame that it is so hard to find.

When we sold out in our shop and opted not to buy Yauco Selecto again for 2001, people groaned, “I guess I’ll just take the Kona Peaberry, then.” Amusing since Kona was, and still is, considered one of the best coffees around.

A quick note on why Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto is so expensive . . . Unlike most coffee growing countries, the close ties that Puerto Rico has to the United States give them a high standard of living. Coffee beans are still hand picked. Just like in Hawaii, the harvesters get paid higher wages in Puerto Rico which drives up the cost of the beans.

Unfortunately price doesn’t always indicate a better coffee bean as simple economics might suggest. However in the case of both Kona and Yauco Selecto both beans do justify their higher price tag despite the reason being somewhat different than the explanation your Economics professor might have hoped for.

Bottom Line
Puerto Rico Yauco Selecto is an outstanding coffee. Whether for your morning cup, or midday break, the smooth drinking treat is worth the price and an out of the way trip to find it. I highly recommend it.

Some of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Nissan Insulated French Press
Bodum Travel French Press
Ethiopian Harrar Coffee

Recommended: Yes