Fincamigos Laurina FW

With their demonstration farm, Fincamigos, Cafexport is exploring more sustainable ways to cultivate high-quality specialty coffee. They hope to make a more lasting positive social impact and to preserve and rejuvenate coffee farm ecosystems. 

Their lots are comprised of some of the mostly highly-sought-after coffee varieties including Sudan Rume, Geisha, Tabi and the Laurina in this lot. These varieties are all known for their high cupping scores and complex profiles. 

This lot is composed of 100% Laurina, a very rare variety that is particularly tricky to cultivate. Laurina is low in caffeine, which means it lacks some of the natural insecticidal properties that benefit other coffee varieties. Its yields are also lower, and it is relatively slow-growing. Nonetheless, its unique flavour profile and lower caffeine content are inspiring a surge of popularity in the specialty coffee world. Cafexport hopes that through their trial on Fincamigos this unusual variety will become more viable for Colombian producers in the future. 

Cafexport cultivates a range of high quality varieties at Fincamigos. They produced their first Tabi, Geisha and Sudan Rume lots in 2020 and their first Laurina lot in 2021.

Fincamigos preserves 4 hectares for forest conservation. They have planted more than 650 native trees and plants. These native species help rejuvenate the ecosystem and create a habitat for the migratory birds that pass through the region each year.

Cherry is selectively handpicked and then pulped in a drum pulper. Coffee is fermented in water for approximately 48 hours and then laid on drying beds. Parchment sundries for approximately 8 days. Parchment is turned frequently to ensure drying.

Laurina was discovered in the early 1800s, Réunion Island.  Also called Bourbon pointu (meaning pointy Bourbon), is extremely close to Bourbon genetically but vastly different in appearance. Its smaller shape and more egg-shaped fruit allow producers to plant Laurina closer together than its Bourbon relatives.

For a long time, the Laurina variety was surrounded by mystery. At the time it appeared, only Bourbon trees were cultivated on Réunion Island but Laurina looked so different from other Bourbon trees, it was hard to believe these changes were caused solely by mutation.  In the early 2000s, genetic testing demonstrated that Laurina was 99.95% genetically identical to the Bourbon trees on Réunion (Typica and Bourbon share 81.3% of their genes), suggesting that Laurina’s distinct appearance was caused by mutation, not cross-breeding with another variety.

Laurina is also lower in caffeine than other Arabica varieties, making it a win-win for those looking for a high-quality, tasty brew without the jitters. 

Great coffee is built on great relationships. We’ve been working with our in-country partner in Colombia, Cafexport, to find farmers who are producing delicious coffees and connect them with you.Cafexport, our in-country partner, is built on the strength of 20 years of meaningful and productive relationships with Colombian coffee cooperatives.

Most of the coffees we purchase from Cafexport are the product of many years of partnership between Cafexport, cooperatives, and farmers. Many are also certified, traceable coffees whose certification, combined with high quality processing and preparation, are sought after by established roasters across the globe.

The majority of the cooperatives with whom we work through Cafexport are from the regions of Caldas, Huila, Tolima, Antioquia, Quindío, Santander, and Magdalena. We like to keep our list of sourcing regions long because diversification allows us to offer coffee with different specifications, flavors and harvest and shipping times to suit every need.