Las Lajas SL28

Get to know this coffee in detail

Oscar Chacón and his wife Francisca Cubillo lead Las Lajas, a pioneering micro-mill in Costa Rica recognized for its innovative natural process.

This family farm has transformed specialty coffee in the Central Valley, respecting coffee tradition and embracing sustainability.

The SL28 variety, native to Kenya, adapts perfectly to the altitudes of Costa Rica, developing bright acidity, intense sweetness, and notes of citrus and floral fruits.

The Black Diamond natural process from Las Lajas stands out for its slow and controlled drying in cement patios.

The cherries are carefully fermented to enhance sweetness and complexity, achieving a vibrant, juicy profile with a floral softness.

Only the finest lots receive the “Black Diamond” distinction, a symbol of excellence.

Meet the producer

Las Lajas SL28: A jewel of Costa Rica's Central Valley

In the heart of Costa Rica's Central Valley, sheltered by the majestic Poás Volcano, one of the most exceptional coffees of this harvest is born: Las Lajas SL28 . Produced by Oscar Chacón at an altitude of 1,500 meters, this coffee is the result of a family history that combines tradition, innovation, and a profound respect for the land.

The Chacón family has been growing coffee in this region since 1936 , and their farm has witnessed decades of changes in the coffee world. After the death of the patriarch, the Chacón brothers decided to transform their approach, focusing on environmental sustainability , the well-being of their workers, and the preservation of coffee culture. It was in this context that Oscar Chacón, along with his wife Francisca Cubillo , founded the Las Lajas micro-mill , a project that would revolutionize the specialty coffee landscape in Costa Rica.

Black Diamond Special Process

The story of the natural process that has made Las Lajas famous begins unexpectedly. In 2006, an earthquake left the Sabanilla region without electricity and water, making the traditional washed coffee method impossible. Far from giving up, Oscar and Francisca decided to dry their coffee cherries in the open air. This method, perfected over the years, resulted in intense, sweet, and complex cup profiles and placed Las Lajas on the map of global specialty coffee.

One of the most refined fruits of this process is Black Diamond , a meticulously curated version of the natural process. Its secret lies in the slow drying and constant rotation of the cherries, which allows them to develop a vibrant and clean aromatic profile. The cherries are first floated to eliminate low-density cherries and then dried on cement patios under greenhouses, away from direct sunlight. At night, they are covered and stacked in a pyramid shape to retain heat. This precise process enhances the coffee's bright acidity , fruity sweetness , and clean cup . Once dried, the beans rest for two months before being hulled and shipped to their final destination. Only the finest lots earn the " Black Diamond " distinction, a true symbol of quality awarded by the Chacón family.

Kenyan variety grown in Costa Rica

This year, one of those batches is Las Lajas SL28 , a variety that will leave no one indifferent. Originating in Kenya, SL28 is renowned in the specialty coffee world for its distinctive sensory profile: notes of bright citrus, red berries , and a floral touch that seduces from the first sip. Although it requires specific conditions to thrive—such as high altitudes and special care against disease—its elegance in the cup has made it one of the most coveted by roasters and baristas.

Tasting this coffee is, in a way, savoring the legacy of a family that has managed to transform adversity into innovation, and that continues to strive for excellence without losing its roots.

If you're looking for a unique, vibrant, and characterful sensory experience, this is your cup. Because some coffees are drunk... and others are remembered.