I Tested the Coffee 1820 Costa Rica: My Honest Review and Buying Notes

Coffee lovers have recently watched single-origin imports gain serious momentum, especially high-altitude selections from Central America. I've spent hours analyzing specification sheets and aggregating buyer feedback to rank these choices. My ranking is built on flavor depth and grind quality, giving you a clear path forward. Let's see how these contenders brew up against each other!

Best ForProductNameScore
Everyday Large Households Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 32 oz Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 32 oz 9.8/10 Check Price
Standard Pantry Stocking Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 18 oz Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 18 oz 9.7/10 Check Price
Ultimate Freshness Control Café 1820 Whole Bean, Premium Costa Rican Whole Bean Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast Coffee Beans, High Altitude Blend With Aroma & Fruity Notes, 35 oz Café 1820 Whole Bean, Premium Costa Rican Whole Bean Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast Coffee Beans, High Altitude Blend With Aroma & Fruity Notes, 35 oz 9.5/10 Check Price
Specialty Flavor Exploration Café 1820 Special Reserve, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Medium/Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 12 oz (2 Pack) Café 1820 Special Reserve, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Medium/Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 12 oz (2 Pack) 9.3/10 Check Price
Bulk Ground Lovers Cafe 1820 Molido - Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee - 17.6 oz (500 gr) 3 Pack Cafe 1820 Molido – Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee – 17.6 oz (500 gr) 3 Pack 9.1/10 Check Price
Medium Roast Fans Café 1820 Coffee Costa Rica – Costa Rican Coffee Ground, 100% Arabica, Medium Roast, Rich Flavor – 8.8 oz (250g) Pack of 3 Café 1820 Coffee Costa Rica – Costa Rican Coffee Ground, 100% Arabica, Medium Roast, Rich Flavor – 8.8 oz (250g) Pack of 3 9.0/10 Check Price
Serious Espresso Drinkers Cafe 1820 Reserva Especial - Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee - 12 oz (340 gr) 5 Pack Cafe 1820 Reserva Especial – Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee – 12 oz (340 gr) 5 Pack 8.8/10 Check Price
Fresh Grinding Enthusiasts Cafe 1820 Grano Entero Costa Rica Gourmet Whole Bean Coffee (340 Gr), 12 oz., 2 Count Cafe 1820 Grano Entero Costa Rica Gourmet Whole Bean Coffee (340 Gr), 12 oz., 2 Count 8.6/10 Check Price
French Press Brewing Gevalia Ground Coffee, Special Reserve Costa Rica Single Origin, 10 oz bag | Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Coarse Ground Coffee for French Press, Fruit & Citrus Undertones Gevalia Ground Coffee, Special Reserve Costa Rica Single Origin, 10 oz bag | Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Coarse Ground Coffee for French Press, Fruit & Citrus Undertones 8.4/10 Check Price
Single Serving Trial Cafe 1820 Molido - Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee - 4.4 oz / 125 gr - 3 Pack Cafe 1820 Molido – Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee – 4.4 oz / 125 gr – 3 Pack 8.1/10 Check Price

1. Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 32 oz

Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 32 oz

This blend earned its spot at the top of the large-household category because its generous 32-ounce size keeps busy kitchens supplied without constant reordering. I find that dark roasts in this size category often lose their punch toward the bottom of the bag, but the high-altitude arabica beans maintain a steady dark profile from the first scoop to the last.

The aroma brings subtle fruity notes that soften the heavy roast character nicely. If you are brewing for a crowd every single morning, this option makes financial and practical sense.

Buyers frequently mention that the large bag size offers great value for big families.
The dark roast profile delivers a bold morning cup without excessive bitterness.
Some users note that pre-ground coffee loses aromatic punch faster than whole beans.

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2. Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 18 oz

Café 1820 Classic, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 18 oz

This 18-ounce package suits standard pantry stocking best, fitting neatly into smaller cabinets while still providing enough coffee for a week or two of daily brewing. In my view, buying a medium-sized bag is the smartest move for anyone who wants fresh grounds without committing to industrial quantities.

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The high altitude arabica beans offer a reliable dark roast experience that pairs well with morning breakfast routines. You get the signature fruity undertones of the brand without letting a massive quantity go stale on your shelf.

Reviewers appreciate the manageable container size for everyday cabinet storage.
The flavor profile remains consistent for standard drip coffee makers.
A few buyers wish the grind size was slightly coarser for specific filter types.

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3. Café 1820 Whole Bean, Premium Costa Rican Whole Bean Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast Coffee Beans, High Altitude Blend With Aroma & Fruity Notes, 35 oz

Café 1820 Whole Bean, Premium Costa Rican Whole Bean Coffee, 100% Arabica, Dark Roast Coffee Beans, High Altitude Blend With Aroma & Fruity Notes, 35 oz

What makes this selection intriguing is the inclusion of a massive 35-ounce whole bean format, which is a rare find for high-altitude imports that usually arrive pre-ground. I rank this as my top overall pick because keeping beans intact until the exact moment of extraction unlocks a vibrant flavor dimension that pre-ground alternatives simply cannot match.

The dark roast beans yield a rich, aromatic cup featuring those characteristic bright notes typical of Costa Rican soil. If you own a dependable burr grinder, this bag provides the ultimate control over your morning brew.

Users emphasize that grinding beans fresh noticeably improves the morning aroma.
The large bulk bag keeps coffee enthusiasts stocked for weeks.
Reviewers note that the robust dark roast stands up well to splashes of milk.

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4. Café 1820 Special Reserve, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Medium/Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 12 oz (2 Pack)

Café 1820 Special Reserve, Premium Costa Rican Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, Medium/Dark Roast, High Altitude Blend with Aroma & Fruity Notes, 12 oz (2 Pack)

The most common complaint leveled against this two-pack is its higher cost per ounce, yet buyers generally agree the medium-dark profile justifies the investment for specialty brewing. I consider this twin pack an ideal route for anyone wanting to explore a slightly more nuanced roast level without buying an overwhelming quantity.

The high-altitude beans strike a balance between rich body and fruit-forward brightness that rewards careful preparation. You might pay a bit more for the split packaging, but the second bag stays sealed and fresh while you finish the first.

Shoppers mention that the two-pack format helps keep the second batch fresh.
The medium-dark roast offers a smoother cup than standard dark varieties.
Some users find the price point slightly elevated compared to bulk ground options.

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5. Cafe 1820 Molido – Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee – 17.6 oz (500 gr) 3 Pack

Cafe 1820 Molido - Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee - 17.6 oz (500 gr) 3 Pack

Stepping away from the smaller reserve packs, this three-pack competes directly with the large family-size bags by offering three separate 500-gram bricks instead of one giant container. My evaluation suggests this multi-pack structure is brilliant for freshness, because you only open one foil-wrapped brick at a time while the others wait in reserve.

The gourmet ground coffee inside delivers the classic high-altitude arabica profile with dependable consistency. Bulk ground lovers get the best of both worlds here, enjoying high-volume purchasing without sacrificing the aroma of a newly opened package.

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Customers praise the vacuum-sealed bricks for locking in freshness over time.
The total quantity provides great value for dedicated daily coffee drinkers.
A few buyers note that storing three bricks requires dedicated pantry space.

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6. Café 1820 Coffee Costa Rica – Costa Rican Coffee Ground, 100% Arabica, Medium Roast, Rich Flavor – 8.8 oz (250g) Pack of 3

Café 1820 Coffee Costa Rica – Costa Rican Coffee Ground, 100% Arabica, Medium Roast, Rich Flavor – 8.8 oz (250g) Pack of 3

This line built its reputation on delivering authentic Costa Rican flavors to casual drinkers, and this medium roast three-pack proves that the lighter flavor profile holds up under scrutiny. I find that stepping down from a dark roast lets the delicate citrus notes shine through much more clearly in a standard drip machine.

The smaller 8.8-ounce bags ensure that the coffee never sits open long enough to go stale on your counter. Medium roast fans will appreciate the smoother, less intense finish during afternoon coffee breaks.

Buyers note that the medium roast is exceptionally smooth and easy to drink black.
The smaller bag size prevents the grounds from losing their aroma too quickly.
Some users prefer a heavier body than what this lighter profile provides.

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7. Cafe 1820 Reserva Especial – Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee – 12 oz (340 gr) 5 Pack

Cafe 1820 Reserva Especial - Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee - 12 oz (340 gr) 5 Pack

This five-pack earned its ranking because its finely ground texture and concentrated flavor profile make it a fantastic match for serious espresso drinkers who want rich crema without fussing with whole beans. I view this multi-pack as a smart shortcut for anyone who pulls multiple shots a day and needs a reliable gourmet supply ready to go.

The 12-ounce bags hit the sweet spot for maintaining peak freshness across a bulk purchase. While the grind is tailored for specific machines, espresso enthusiasts will find the flavor notes deeply satisfying.

Reviewers highlight the convenience of having multiple smaller bags on hand.
The grind works exceptionally well for concentrated brewing methods.
A few customers mention wanting more variety in roast levels within the pack.

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8. Cafe 1820 Grano Entero Costa Rica Gourmet Whole Bean Coffee (340 Gr), 12 oz., 2 Count

Cafe 1820 Grano Entero Costa Rica Gourmet Whole Bean Coffee (340 Gr), 12 oz., 2 Count

This two-count whole bean offering is tailor-made for fresh grinding enthusiasts who prefer to process small batches rather than storing massive bulk bags. In my judgment, keeping a two-pack of whole beans in the pantry is the ideal compromise between variety and freshness control.

The high-altitude beans retain their natural oils and fruity aromatic qualities much longer when left unground. You get the fun ritual of preparing your morning cup from scratch without committing to industrial quantities.

Buyers love that the dual-bag setup keeps the second batch sealed tight.
The whole beans produce a wonderfully aromatic brew when ground fresh.
Some users wish the individual bags contained a larger volume.

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9. Gevalia Ground Coffee, Special Reserve Costa Rica Single Origin, 10 oz bag | Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Coarse Ground Coffee for French Press, Fruit & Citrus Undertones

Gevalia Ground Coffee, Special Reserve Costa Rica Single Origin, 10 oz bag | Medium Roast, 100% Arabica, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Coarse Ground Coffee for French Press, Fruit & Citrus Undertones

What makes this single-origin bag unusual is its specifically coarse grind structure, which diverges from the fine grinds common in many imported brands to target manual brewing methods. I think this design choice makes it an absolute standout for anyone who relies on a French press for their morning routine.

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The medium roast brings out distinct fruit and citrus undertones that complement the heavier body of immersion brewing. If you prefer a clean cup without fine sediment, this coarse-ground option delivers reliably.

Reviewers note that the coarse grind prevents sludge at the bottom of the French press.
The citrus undertones provide a refreshing departure from traditional dark roasts.
Some users feel the 10-ounce bag is too small for daily heavy consumption.

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10. Cafe 1820 Molido – Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee – 4.4 oz / 125 gr – 3 Pack

Cafe 1820 Molido - Costa Rica Gourmet Ground Premium Coffee - 4.4 oz / 125 gr - 3 Pack

The most frequent buyer complaint about this tiny three-pack is the surprisingly high price per ounce, yet it remains a brilliant solution for a single serving trial. I consider these miniature 4.4-ounce bricks the safest way to sample the brand without committing cupboard space or money to a full-sized bag.

The gourmet ground coffee inside gives you the authentic high-altitude taste without any long-term storage worries. It is an ideal gift item or a traveler's companion for vacations where good coffee is non-negotiable.

Shoppers appreciate the tiny size for travel or gifting purposes.
The vacuum sealing keeps the small portions remarkably fresh.
Many users point out that the cost per ounce is higher than the standard bulk bags.

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Choosing Between Them

Choosing the right bag comes down to matching your brewing habits with the correct format, and my top recommendation is the Café 1820 Whole Bean for anyone chasing maximum flavor freshness. If you prefer convenience without sacrificing quality, the Café 1820 Classic Ground serves large households brilliantly, while specialty explorers will enjoy the nuanced notes found in the reserve packs.

One important category-wide caveat is that pre-ground selections lose their aromatic compounds rapidly once opened, so you should always store your bags in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Matching your purchase to your actual consumption rate ensures you never have to suffer through a stale cup of morning coffee again.

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Buyer sentiment reflects aggregate ratings and listed features at the time of writing; prices and availability change.

James Wilson
James Wilson

James Wilson is a seasoned product review specialist with a strong focus on coffee grinders and home brewing equipment. With years of hands-on experience testing both manual and electric grinders, he brings practical insights and honest recommendations to help readers make informed decisions. James is passionate about the role grind quality plays in achieving the perfect cup of coffee, and he combines technical knowledge with a user-friendly approach. His reviews are known for their clarity, depth, and reliability, making him a trusted voice for coffee enthusiasts looking to upgrade their daily brewing experience.

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