(NEW!) OMG Masterpieces // COSTA RICA - LAS LAJAS | omni

Our OMG Masterpieces, by Las Lajas!

Another funky and explosive OMG masterpiece from the well-known Las Lajas farm! The Alma Negra process - which involves slow, controlled drying on patios with infrequent turning of the crust - creates a rich and complex cup bursting with juicy pineapple, cranberry, and sweet cherry notes.

ORIGIN: Costa Rica
PRODUCER: Las Lajas - Francisca and Oscar Chacon
REGION: Sabanilla de Alajuela
GROWING ALTITUDE: 1500m.
VARIETAL: Sarchimor
PROCESS: Alma Negra natural (black honey)
ROAST PROFILE: Omni (both for filter or espresso brews)

The "Alma Negra" coffee process was pioneered by Francisca and Oscar Chacon of Las Lajas, a Costa Rican coffee farm known for its innovative and experimental processing methods. The process is part of the "honey process" family, specifically the "black honey" style. This style however involves slow, controlled drying on patios with infrequent flipping of the crust that forms. This retains natural sugars and enhances deep, fruity, and complex flavors, producing a rich and unique coffee profile.

The Process.

In the Alma Negra process, the coffee cherries are pulped and then dried slowly in thick layers, typically on patios under carefully controlled conditions. By keeping the mucilage attached to the beans throughout drying, the coffee is able to retain more natural sugars, resulting in intensified fruity flavors.

Another key element of this method is minimal disturbance during drying. Unlike other honey processes, the beans are moved as little as possible. This gentle handling allows sugars to concentrate on the beans for a longer period, enhancing their complexity and producing a richer, more refined cup profile.

The Alma Negra process exemplifies a dedication to careful, time-intensive processing, producing coffees with a distinctly rich and complex flavor profile.