Costa Rica Las Lajas Black Honey

This coffee comes to us from the slopes of the Poas Volcano in Alajuela, Central Valley, Costa Rica. The Central Valley region is a high elevation plateau with the Central Mountain Range to the north and the Talamanca Range to the south. The country’s more than 60 volcanoes create fertile, mineral rich soil that is the perfect base for growing high quality coffee.

Oscar Chacon’s grandparents started what is now Las Lajas in 1948. Over time, Oscar and Francisca inherited the farms and therefore became coffee producers. In 2000, they started processing coffee themselves at the Las Lajas mill, largely focusing on yellow, red and black honey processed coffee.

The mill is known for its clean facilities and unique innovative processes. Considered pioneers of honey and natural coffees in Central America, the Chacóns consistently produce exceptional coffees. They are also leaders in organic growing and sustainable practices in the region.

Both Francisca and Oscar believe in preservation of the environment and protecting the beautiful natural wildlife of Costa Rica. They helped start the movement from high water usage washed processes towards lower impact honey and natural coffees. Inspired by the 2008 earthquake that cut off the mill's access to water, the Chacóns started experimenting with new processing methods. Their enterprise resulted in coffees with striking flavors that continue to excite and delight the coffee world. Today, water use at Las Lajas is minimal and Francisca and Oscar continue to innovate new ways to lower their environmental impact.