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Torque is thrilled to announce the exclusive release of a Hybrid 17 microlot, meticulously crafted exclusively for our coffee enthusiasts. This limited-edition coffee is a testament to our 15-year partnership with Francisca, a renowned coffee roaster.

Perla Negra - Natural Process Single Varietal Microlot

Francisca and Oscar, the passionate third-generation producers of Las Lajas, a coffee mill that pioneered the milling of its own coffee in Costa Rica, decided to create a special microlot just for Torque. Their hybrid cultivar testing program yielded promising results, and one of the hybrids, Hybrid 17, stood out for its exceptional sweetness. Recognizing our appreciation for sweetness, Francisca carefully selected the highest Brix content cherries from her special reserve lot on their most important farm, Las Lajas, and processed them using the renowned Perla Negra natural process.

The limited availability of Hybrid 17 on Las Lajas made it a unique opportunity for Torque. Only eight bags of this special microlot were produced, and we are incredibly excited to share it with you. It has become one of our favorite coffees from Francisca and Las Lajas since we began our partnership in 2009.

Beneficio Las Lajas is a progressive and quality-driven coffee mill that embodies environmentally responsible farming practices alongside rigorous quality standards. Francisca Cubillo and Oscar Chacón, the third-generation producers, have been instrumental in reshaping specialty coffee practices in Costa Rica and internationally. We have been fortunate to work with Francisca since 2009, and her innovative processing methods have consistently impressed us.

Las Lajas, nestled in Sabanilla de Alejela Costa Rica, near the base of Poas Volcano, is renowned for its exceptional coffee. The west Central Valley is home to some of the finest coffee in Costa Rica. The Chacon family, third-generation coffee farmers since 1840, has preserved this legacy. Oscar Chacon inherited 5 hectares at the tender age of 18 after his father’s passing. He and his mother diligently kept the family’s coffee farming tradition alive. In 1997, Francisca and Oscar tied the knot. Francisca pursued an agriculture degree in coffee at the University of Costa Rica.

Tragically, in 2009, a devastating country-wide earthquake struck, causing widespread power outages and destruction right at the peak of their coffee harvest. In a daring attempt to preserve their harvest, Francisca had an unconventional idea. They decided to dry their coffee cherries with the cherries still intact, a practice prevalent in parts of Africa where electricity and running water are scarce during the dry season. To accomplish this, they spread their coffee cherries out on patios, flat roofs, and even hastily constructed camas africanas (raised beds). Slowly, they dried their coffee in the sun, resulting in a unique black dried cherry that they affectionately named Perla Negra. To their astonishment, the Perla Negra turned out to be incredibly delicious! This extraordinary event not only saved their coffee harvest but also made history in Costa Rica.