Costa Rican Kick Trade 20 X 250g

Honest Independent Coffee Review

A perfect latte art base – Costa Rican Kick blend

Roast Level: Dark/ Medium

Flavour notes: Honey laced overtones and sharp honey bursts throughout.

Brew method: 18g used for a 1:2 ratio in a double shot. Grind size 11 was used with bur size 3 to yield an espresso in 25-30 seconds.

Overall opinion:

Costa Rican Kick is a blend that pleasantly surprised me. Going in, I wasn’t convinced that honey-forward notes would pair particularly well with coffee, but this blend proves otherwise.

The honey-laced overtones bring a natural sweetness to the cup and complements the coffee’s rich, warming body. As the espresso develops on the palate, there’s a noticeable burst of honey sweetness that adds depth; however, what really sets this blend apart is the finish. After the initial sweetness fades, a subtle spicy aftertaste emerges. This gentle heat creates an interesting contrast with the honey notes, preventing the coffee from becoming overly sweet.

One of the greatest strengths of the Costa Rican Kick is its originality. Many coffee blends lean heavily towards familiar flavour profiles such as nuts, caramel, or fruit and although I love these flavour combinations, this blend offers something genuinely different. The combination of honey sweetness and a subtle chilli-like spice creates a flavour pairing that is both unusual and memorable.

For those who enjoy oat milk, this blend is a good pairing. The combination creates a rich, creamy cup with honey sweetness finished with a warming spice.

Reviewed by Louise Taylor Independent Coffee Reviewer – 16th June 2026

️ Overall, I’d rate this blend an 8/10

It’s unique flavour combination stands out however, while the aftertaste is pleasant, some may find the spicy kick too sharp. Creating a more gradual transition of flavours through the addition of a vanilla or cocoa undertone would allow for a smoother drinking experience.