Costa Rica - Las Lajas

Welcome to Fire! Where producers push boundaries, fermentation runs hot, and subtlety takes the day off.

PLUM JAM/ COCONUT / WHITE WINE

Origin: Central Valley, Costa Rica

Producer: Oscar and Francisca Chacón

Process: Black Diamond Natural 

Varietal: H17

Source: Cafe Imports

Roast: Omni

About the Producer

Oscar and Francisca Chacón have been growing coffee for generations, but they're best known for refusing to do things the traditional way.

After years of selling coffee through a local cooperative, they took a gamble in 2005 and built their own micromill so they could experiment with processing and take control of quality. That decision helped make Las Lajas one of Costa Rica's most influential specialty coffee producers, with their Honey and Natural processed coffees now recognised around the world.

Their willingness to adapt has always been their biggest strength. When an earthquake cut power and water during harvest in 2008, they couldn't produce washed coffee—so they built raised drying beds instead and doubled down on Natural processing. What started as a necessity became one of the defining styles of Las Lajas.

What is Black Diamond Natural Process?

Only the ripest cherries are selected before spending the first week drying in thick layers, allowing a slow aerobic fermentation to build sweetness and complexity. The coffee is then spread into thinner layers to finish drying slowly and evenly.

The result is exactly what we love about this coffee: big fruit, rich sweetness and just enough funk to keep every cup interesting.

Recommended for all filter brewing methods & espresso.

Best enjoyed black — but as always, who are we to tell you how to drink your coffee.

We hope you enjoy it!!