Las Lajas - Costa Rica SL28

TOFFEE, CHERRY BLOSSOM

Oscar and Francisca run six farms on the slopes of the Poás volcano in Costa Rica with their four children. They aren't big producers, producing around 2,000 bags a year, but their obsession with quality shines through in the cup. They hand-pick each cherry when it's perfect, and dry it in the sun, manually flipping the rind instead of raking it. Details that seem small, but they change everything. They grow the SL28 variety on volcanic soils between 1,300 and 1,500 meters above sea level, following rigorous organic principles: zero chemicals, composted pulp, and a cubic meter of water per day. They don't do it for marketing; it's simply their way of working. The result is a coffee that tastes of cherry blossoms, rose hips, caramel, and bubble gum. Complex, clean, unforgettable. Exactly what we're looking for.

WHERE AND WHO

Las Lajas – Black Diamond: Family Coffee from the Heart of Costa Rica

On the slopes of the Poás volcano in Costa Rica's Central Valley, the Chacón family has been growing premium coffee for generations. Six brothers, six farms, one passion.

Their secret? 100% organic farming, zero chemicals, minimal water consumption, and a lot of experimentation. Oscar and Francisca run the mill with their four children, producing about 2,000 bags a year at an altitude of between 1,300 and 1,500 meters.

They don't just grow coffee here: they're constantly searching for new aromatic profiles, experimenting with rare varieties like the SL28. Each cup tells their story, that of a family that respects the land and focuses on innovation.

FROM THE CHERRY TO THE BEAN

Between December and February, each cherry is handpicked at the perfect ripeness. No rush, just attention to detail.

After harvesting, the defective fruit is removed using the Penagos flotation system, then the fruit is sun-dried on raised beds. The special touch? The rind is turned over strictly by hand, not with a rake. This simple gesture ensures perfectly even drying.

It's this blend of tradition and innovation that makes the difference: ancient techniques combined with sustainable technologies, for an exceptional coffee that respects the environment. Because quality can't be improvised, it's built cup by cup.

ABOUT THE VARIETY

SL28: when terroir works magic

Rich volcanic soils, altitudes between 1,300 and 1,500 meters, and a perfect subtropical climate. This is where SL28 grows, a variety that thrives in these conditions.

In the cup? An explosion of aromas: balsamic and floral notes reminiscent of cherry blossoms, rose hips, caramel, and even bubble gum. A complex aromatic profile that surprises with every sip.

Thanks to the Central Valley's unique terroir, of course, but also to the Chacón family's meticulous care and their 100% organic approach. Las Lajas – Black Diamond is more than just high-quality specialty coffee: it's the authentic expression of a territory and those who cultivate it with passion.