Costa Rica Las Lajas Perla Negra

Cola, cherry, and apple cider. A natural from the Las Lajas micromill in Costa Rica's Central Valley, one of the most respected small mills in the country for microlot processing.

Perla Negra is Las Lajas's own natural method. Whole ripe cherries dry on raised beds for about a week in the sun, rest in the shade, then finish in a greenhouse where they are turned twice a day. The long, slow dry is what gives this coffee its deep berry flavor and wine-like acidity. It is also the first microlot Brioso ever bought, back in 2008, when an earthquake cut power and water to the mill mid-harvest and the Chacón family improvised raised beds instead of losing the crop.

This is a fruit-forward, slightly boozy cup. If you want a clean, classic Costa Rica instead, Cerro San Luis is the one. Brew it as pour-over or AeroPress.

Details

• Tasting notes: cola, cherry, apple cider
• Origin: Central Valley, Costa Rica
• Farm: El Guachepelín, Las Lajas micromill (Chacón family)
• Variety: H17
• Process: Perla Negra natural
• Roast: light to medium
• Best for: pour-over, AeroPress
• Sizes: 12 oz or 2 lb, plus a $10 sample bag; whole bean, no grind option
• Roasted by Brioso Coffee in Columbus, Ohio