Flavor Notes
Kiwi, Caramel Apple, Strawberry
Cup Characteristics
We love this coffee to bring in the fall season with its exquisite interplay of sweetness and acidity. The delicacy of kiwi alongside the delight of fresh strawberry and caramel apple result in a symphony of flavor. True to the reputation of its farm and red-honeyed process, this coffee offers a quality experience and highly drinkable cup. Like the fall season, take a special moment to let it soak in and savor.
Producer Information
Francisca and Oscar Chacon of Las Lajas are 3rd generation coffee producers. They own and manage their micro mill, Las Lajas, and specialty coffee farms in different regions of the foothills of the Poas volcano in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The Cumbres del Poas name comes from the area where the coffee is produced, the summits of the Poas volcano.
In 2000, they started processing coffee themselves at the Las Lajas mill, largely focusing on yellow, red and black honey processed coffee.
The Chacon family is committed to producing the best high-quality specialty coffee while focusing on environmentally friendly practices. During the harvest of their coffees, they measure the brix content in the coffee cherries to determine the best time to pick their coffees to obtain the utmost sweet and fruit forward profile. Additionally, water use at Las Lajas is minimal, since their coffees do not undergo the washed process. Oscar and Francisca are focused on sharing their knowledge and passion for specialty coffee with their four children, as they will eventually take the reins of the family business.
Process
Red Honey
What is the Red Honey Process?
For a red-honeyed process, the cherry skin is removed, but the mucilage (or pulp) remains during the drying phase. The mucilage is sticky and sweet, similar to honey, which is where the process gets its name. The beans will then be dried in the shade for a slower drying process. At Las Lajas, beans are piled in a greenhouse for a time before being agitated, rotated, aerated and raked out by mill staff. A 2-3 week drying time allows each red-honeyed coffee to ferment and develop its own unique flavor profile as it reaches ~11% moisture. A Red Honey processed coffee tends to have bigger fruit flavors and sweetness, along with a more syrupy body.
Country of Origin: Costa Rica
Region: Central Valley
Farm: Crumbres de Poas, Las Lajas Mill
Elevation: 1500 MASL
Varietals: Catuai, Caturra, Villa Sarchi
We roast and ship on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Orders placed on Thursday (after 7am) may be roasted and shipped the following week.
