Description
Colombia Vergara Lasso Natural
Naturally processed Java varietal from producers Nestor Lasso & Jhoan Vergara. As sweet and juicy as they come, tasting notes of tropical fruit juice punch, jasmine and cocoa.
The Peñas Blancas Coffee Processing Center in Acevedo, Huila, is led by two of Colombia’s most innovative producers, Nestor Lasso and Jhoan Vergara. By creating a centralized hub for processing, they have opened doors for smallholder farmers to access world-class techniques and consistently deliver high-quality coffee to international markets. Built on collaboration, education, and sustainability, Peñas Blancas brings together producers, agronomists, and industry professionals through training and workshops, ensuring that families who depend on coffee as their primary livelihood can improve both their practices and their income. Under the guidance of Lasso’s expertise in experimental processing and Vergara’s deep knowledge of farm management, producers who once struggled with accessibility, quality control, and market reach now have the support of centralized and carefully supervised facilities.
The Java variety offered through Peñas Blancas carries a rich lineage, tracing its roots back to Ethiopia before making its way through Indonesia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, and eventually throughout Central America. Closely related to the Abysinia landrace, Java stands out for its resilience against coffee leaf rust and berry disease while showcasing a remarkable cup quality. Known for its complexity, it offers vibrant fruit notes complemented by delicate floral aromatics, making it one of the most celebrated varieties among discerning coffee drinkers.
Colombia’s green coffee landscape is defined by more than half a million smallholder families working across volcanic mountain ranges, producing one of the world’s most diverse and consistent coffee supplies. As the third-largest coffee-producing country, Colombia balances staggering volume with remarkable quality and variety. Recent harvests, however, have faced challenges. For the 2023/2024 cycle, production growth held at 6.1 percent, limited by reduced renovation areas in 2022 after high prices discouraged new plantings. Dry weather stressed young trees at lower altitudes, leading to higher borer infestations and more undersized beans. With around 840,000 hectares under cultivation and two key harvests—October to December as the primary season and April to June as the secondary mitaca—Colombia’s producers remain committed to sustaining their legacy of excellence.
This offering comes from the region of Acevedo, Huila, grown at an altitude of 1,750 meters and produced at the Peñas Blancas Coffee Mill by Nestor Lasso and Jhoan Vergara. The variety is Java, naturally processed, and harvested from October to December, yielding a coffee that is as much a story of heritage and resilience as it is of flavor and craftsmanship.
