SHOWCASE #04 is here! The first of 2026, this is one we’re particularly excited about. With notes of cranberry, candied apple, and red wine, this Costa Rican coffee has a memorable story and even more memorable flavours.
Thanks to a rather unique processing method, and of course, the dedication of those who farm it, we’re delighted to put a well-deserved spotlight on the hard work of these incredible producers.
Read on as we learn more about their story, approach and processing methods for this delicious coffee.
What is Showcase?
For first-timers, it’s important to clarify what SHOWCASE actually is! You can read our blog for a full rundown of our SHOWCASE series, but, in short, SHOWCASE represents some of the most exciting coffees you’ll find, from anywhere in the world. From truly next-level flavour notes to experimental microlots, these are coffees for those who want to explore the outer reaches of what specialty coffee has to offer.
Meet the Chaćons
Las Lajas Micromill is a highly respected micromill in Sabanilla de Alajuela, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley - a region known for volcanic soils and high elevations, perfect for specialty coffee cultivation. Oscar and Francisca Chacón are the husband-and-wife team behind Las Lajas and also own several farms that cultivate their coffee. Finca Calle Liles is one of these farms, and there, at altitudes of around 1450–1600 metres above sea level, this SL-28 variety is grown.
The Chaćons are third-generation coffee producers on the slopes of the Poás Volcano. Their grandfather began cultivating coffee in the area in the 1950s alongside their main subsistence crops. Up until this point, everything had been for self-consumption, but he fell in love with coffee and shifted his focus there. To Oscar and Francisca, coffee is more than just a part of their family heritage; it's in their hearts and souls.
Las Lajas Farm
They worked hard to make improvements - planting trees, adopting agricultural practices that would conserve the soil and above all, protect those working on the farm. Over time, this developed into a keen focus on and passion for sustainable, organic, environmental, and regenerative farming. Oscar and Francisca are acutely aware that, for the survival of coffee production, they need to be part of the effort to tackle climate change, for their own security and that of future generations. They say that for them, it’s a way of life - using sustainable practices - that everyone should be adopting.
Experimental Processing
The Chaćons are well known in the specialty coffee community for their courage to experiment and elevate Costa Rican microlots onto the global stage. If you’ve ever enjoyed a honey-processed coffee from Costa Rica, you may have Oscar and Francisca to thank for it - either directly or indirectly. They were among the first pioneers exploring different processing methods, such as naturals and honeys, working tirelessly to improve their processes and create even more value for the coffee they produce. Nowadays, the Chaćons are known for their experimental microlots.
What is Black Diamond Processing
This particular lot of SL-28 was processed at La Lajas Micromill as a Black Diamond Natural, a natural aerobic process. What makes this process different from the rest is its intentional curing. It starts with rigorous harvesting standards and sorting, before leaving the cherries to dry off the surface humidity for 1 day on raised beds before moving them to the drying patio.
The drying process, however, takes more attention than all of La Lajas’ other naturals. It’s a slow, very controlled drying process that takes between 15 and 22 days. The temperature and movement of the beans are monitored constantly to slow dehydration and prevent abrupt temperature rises. Oscar explained that the concept comes from the process of drying coffee seeds for nursery, slowly drying them without compromising the embryo; a passive drying process.
The theory is to avoid harming the beans with high temperatures, instead allowing the sugars in the mucilage to crystallise. The resulting profile of Black Diamond Natural is sweeter, clearer, and brighter.
Get your hands on Showcase #04!
If you like the sound of this coffee as much as we did, then we’ll be only too happy to point you in its direction. You can find SHOWCASE #04, along with the rest of our single-origin coffees, on our website.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best way to brew the perfect V60 coffee. Should you have any other questions, or want to learn more about other brewing methods and useful coffee tips and tricks, sign up to the Dear Green newsletter, visit our blog, or give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok.