Nestor Lasso - Ají [Advanced Natural]

Technical Sheet:
Roaster: Sweven Coffee
Origin: Pitalito, Huila, Colombia
Producer: Nestor Lasso & Adrian Lasso – Finca El Diviso
Varietal: Ají
Process: Advanced Natural
Altitude: 1,750 masl
Profile: Strawberry · Peach · Haribo Cherry
Format: 200 g
Roast: Light (Filter)
Ideal for: Filter

Why we like it: Its double anaerobic fermentation process produces a super sweet, cherry candy-like profile with a bright and very expressive acidity.

Who should buy it: Ideal for those looking for a bold and complex filter coffee, with a sweet candy/gummy character and vibrant notes of ripe fruit.

This is an extraordinary competition lot of the rare Ají variety, masterfully produced by Nestor Lasso at El Diviso.
Alongside his brother Adrian, Nestor has transformed the family farm near Pitalito, Huila, into one of Colombia’s most progressive coffee projects. Situated at around 1,750 meters above sea level, El Diviso has become synonymous with experimental varieties and precision processing, helping redefine the perception of Colombian coffee globally.

Working closely alongside Jhoan Vergara and Cata Export, the team has developed increasingly sophisticated fermentation protocols, combining a deep knowledge of raw material with a relentless pursuit of flavor. Their work has garnered international recognition, including competition success, whilst continuing to evolve from harvest to harvest.

Ají is one of the most fascinating varieties to emerge from Southern Huila in recent years. Though often referred to locally as Bourbon Ají, genetic analysis suggests that despite the name, it is not closely related to Bourbon, but rather linked to Ethiopian landrace genetics. The name Ají, meaning "chilli" in Spanish, is associated with the distinctive pungent aroma present around the cherry and mucilage.
At El Diviso, Nestor puts this unusual variety through a highly structured Advanced Natural process, designed to develop aromatic intensity, sweetness, and complexity, whilst retaining definition in the cup. Only fully ripe Ají cherries are hand-picked, which then undergo 24 hours of controlled oxidation, kickstarting the development of the coffee’s fruit character. The whole cherries are then sealed in tanks for 48 hours of anaerobic fermentation, followed by a second 48-hour anaerobic stage inside sealed fermentation bags. This extended, low-oxygen environment builds greater sweetness, ripe fruit intensity, and a confectionary-like complexity.

A carefully controlled thermal shock stage follows, which stabilises the fermentation and helps preserve the aromatic compounds developed during processing. The cherries are then slow-dried on raised beds under solar canopies for approximately 15-20 days, with regular turning to promote even dehydration. Once 10-11% moisture is reached, the coffee rests for an additional 20-30 days under controlled conditions, allowing the profile to stabilise and integrate before milling.

In the cup, expect notes of strawberry, peach, and Haribo cherry candy. Complex and layered, the profile combines a bright, sparkling acidity with the sweetness of ripe stone fruit and intense fruity aromatics. Juicy strawberry and peach give way to a distinctive red cherry candy character, extending into a long, highly expressive finish.

Our journey in coffee began in 2010 — born from curiosity, driven by passion, and shaped by years of hands-on experience. Over the next decade, we explored the world of coffee with relentless dedication, seeking out exceptional origins, refining our craft, and forming relationships with producers who inspire us.

In 2019, that journey took a defining turn. We founded Sweven: a company rooted in precision, purpose, and a deep respect for the people behind every bean. From the farm to the cup, our focus is unwavering. Quality is not just our standard; it is our commitment.

We meticulously source and roast coffees that honor the skill and care of their producers, ensuring each cup reflects a story of craftsmanship, dedication, and place. But for us, coffee is more than flavor and process — it’s about connection. Shared experiences. Lasting moments.

At Sweven, we believe coffee has the power to bring people together and create something far greater than the drink itself: community, conversation, and a legacy built on excellence.

Jimmy & Aga Dimitrov
Founders