An expressive and complex coffee showcasing the innovation of Nestor Lasso, a complex cup with notes of lavender, elderflower, rose, and mandarin up front. A smooth textured body, and tropical acidity carries through to a lychee, white peach, and crisp apricot finish.
About the Coffee
This washed Aji Bourbon is produced by Nestor Lasso in Huila, Colombia. Known for pushing the boundaries of Colombian specialty coffee, Nestor experiments with rare varietals and innovative processing to achieve extraordinary cup profiles. The Aji Bourbon varietal itself is a rare mutation of Bourbon, named for its resemblance to the aroma of chili pepper (“ají” in Spanish), though in the cup it presents with fruit-forward sweetness and remarkable complexity.
Cultivation and Processing
At El Diviso, coffee is cultivated at elevations between 1,700 and 1,850 masl, where cool nights and warm days promote slow cherry maturation and concentrated sugars. The Aji Bourbon plants thrive in the fertile volcanic soils of southern Huila.
Ripe cherries are selectively hand-harvested and undergo a carefully managed washed process. After depulping, the beans are fermented for an extended period to heighten aromatic complexity, then fully washed in clean water and dried slowly on raised beds. This meticulous approach preserves the varietal’s unique character while ensuring clarity in the cup.
The Legacy of Coffee in Colombia
Colombia’s reputation as one of the world’s premier coffee origins is built on its diversity of microclimates, high elevations, and generations of skilled producers. Huila in particular has become synonymous with vibrant, fruit-forward coffees that combine clarity and depth.
Producers like Nestor Lasso are part of a new wave of Colombian farmers redefining expectations by embracing rare cultivars, refining processing techniques, and focusing on small-scale, quality-driven production. These efforts highlight both Colombia’s heritage and its dynamic future in specialty coffee.
Challenges and Innovation
Colombian farmers continue to face challenges from climate variability, pests, and unstable markets. Yet innovation remains at the core of producers like Nestor, who leverage agronomic expertise and experimental processes to produce coffees that command recognition on the global stage. By cultivating rare varietals such as Aji Bourbon, Nestor contributes to Colombia’s reputation for exceptional quality and diversity.
COFFEE GRADE: Specialty Microlot
VARIETAL: Aji Bourbon (Bourbon mutation)
PROCESSING: Fully Washed
ALTITUDE: 1,700–1,850 masl
OWNER: Nestor Lasso
REGION: Huila, Colombia
Cupping Notes
A complex cup with notes of lavender, elderflower, rose, and mandarin up front. A smooth textured body, and tropical acidity carries through to a lychee, white peach, and crisp apricot finish.
Matte Black Coffee Bag Bundle - With Valve & Rippa Zippa
Matte Black Coffee Bag Bundle - With Valve
