Costa Rica Strawberry Velvet – Natural

The sweetness of ripe strawberries, vibrant red fruit and a character that leaves a lasting impression.

From the mountains of Sabanilla de Alajuela, Costa Rica, comes Strawberry Velvet, an expressive specialty coffee produced by Francisca and Oscar Chacón at the renowned Las Lajas micromill.

Grown at elevations between 1,250 and 1,700 metres, this San Isidro 39 lot undergoes the distinctive Black Diamond process, a carefully managed natural method designed to highlight the rich aromatic potential of ripe coffee cherries.

In the cup, discover notes of strawberry, red currant and delicate florals, complemented by a wine-like character, pronounced body and an intense, lingering fruit profile.

An expressive and complex coffee for those who enjoy exploring flavours beyond the ordinary.

Origin and Processing

Las Lajas is a family-run micromill located in Sabanilla de Alajuela, in Costa Rica's Central Valley.

Francisca and Oscar Chacón are widely recognised for their dedication to natural, honey and carefully developed experimental processing methods.

The Black Diamond process begins with meticulous hand selection of fully ripe coffee cherries, harvested only when their sugar concentration exceeds 22 degrees Brix.

Following harvest, the cherries undergo washing, flotation separation and electronic sorting to remove impurities and defective fruit.

They are then slowly dried on a protected greenhouse patio for 22–30 days, depending on sunlight conditions.

After drying, the coffee rests for a minimum of 60 days in temperature-controlled storage, allowing its moisture content to stabilise before final milling and preparation.

This careful approach contributes to the coffee's pronounced fruit character, wine-like nuances and aromatic complexity.

Flavour Profile

Tasting notes: Strawberry · Red Currant · Florals

Cup profile: Fruity, intense and complex, with wine-like nuances, pronounced body and a lingering finish.

Recommended brewing methods: V60, Origami, Chemex, AeroPress and fruit-forward espresso.

Coffee Details

Country: Costa Rica
Region: Sabanilla de Alajuela, Central Valley
Farm / Micromill: Las Lajas
Producers: Francisca and Oscar Chacón
Species: Arabica
Variety: San Isidro 39
Process: Black Diamond Natural
Drying: 22–30 days under greenhouse conditions
Resting period: Minimum 60 days
Altitude: 1,250–1,700 m
SCA Score: 88 points

A Coffee Full of Character

Strawberry Velvet brings together expressive red fruit flavours, delicate floral aromatics and a remarkable depth of character. A distinctive Costa Rican natural to enjoy slowly, discovering new nuances as the cup develops.