Specialty Coffee - We're Loving this Costa Rica Alma Negra Natural
A standout specialty coffee from Las Lajas and the Chacón family
Some coffees arrive, and from the very first sip, you know they’re something special. This Costa Rican microlot did exactly that — and it wasn’t just us who fell in love with it. The judges at the Australian International Coffee Awards agreed, awarding it a Bronze Medal at the 2020 AICA. A well‑deserved nod to a truly exceptional specialty coffee.
A Microlot With Serious Flavour
This lot is a natural‑processed Alma Negra microlot, and it’s one of the most expressive coffees we’ve roasted this season. We developed two roast profiles — espresso and filter — and both bring out incredible flavour in their own way.
- Filter roast: sweet strawberries, ripe cherries, and soft vanilla shortbread
- Espresso roast: deep plums, dark cherries, and rich stewed‑fruit sweetness
Whichever way you brew it, this specialty coffee delivers a full sensory experience.
So, What Is the Alma Negra Natural Process?
Post‑harvest processing is one of the biggest factors shaping a coffee’s flavour, and the Alma Negra method is a standout. As a natural (or “dry”) process, the cherries are picked at peak ripeness and dried whole — fruit and all — before the husk is removed.
Natural processing takes time, space and meticulous care. The cherries must be turned regularly to prevent mould and ensure even drying. What makes the Alma Negra process unique is its slow, deliberate approach: the cherries are turned only a few times a day, drying under the intense Costa Rican sun on raised beds, watched over with absolute precision.
The Craft of Las Lajas Micro‑Mill
Behind this microlot is the renowned Las Lajas micro‑mill, located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. The Chacón family, who run the mill, are pioneers in organic honey and natural processing. Their commitment to quality, traceability and environmental stewardship is legendary in the specialty coffee world.
Our microlot was grown by the Chacón family at Cumbres del Poás and then processed at Las Lajas — a perfect pairing of exceptional farming and world‑class processing.
Las Lajas is known for:
- Organic, environmentally conscious practices
- Minimising water use by avoiding washed processing
- Full traceability from farm to mill
- A relentless focus on quality and flavour
This is specialty coffee at its finest: thoughtful, sustainable and bursting with character.
A Microlot Worth Celebrating
From the careful hands that grew it to the meticulous processing at Las Lajas, this Costa Rican microlot is a celebration of craftsmanship and flavour. We’re proud to roast it, proud to share it, and proud to support the producers who make specialty coffee what it is today.