We’re thrilled to release the El Diviso Typica Mejorado—our first time showcasing this rare and exclusive lot from Nestor Lasso’s farm in Huila, Colombia. After cupping it for the first time during our visit to Finca El Diviso in March 2025, we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Originally developed in Ecuador as a natural mutation of the classic Typica varietal, Typica Mejorado is extremely rare in Colombia. It’s prized for its complex cup profile and disease resistance, making it a standout in high-quality coffee production. Nestor’s work with this varietal is one of the few examples of Typica Mejorado being cultivated to such a high standard in Colombia. This lot results from meticulous processing: Only the ripest cherries are handpicked, followed by a 24-hour pre-fermentation oxidation. The cherries then undergo two stages of anaerobic fermentation (48 hours each), which intensify tropical fruit flavours and sweetness. A thermal conditioning step stabilises microbial activity, and the cherries are sun-dried for 15-20 days on raised beds to preserve clarity and fruit depth. Expect a cup with vibrant strawberry, lychee, and watermelon jelly notes. It’s a sweet, juicy, and complex coffee with a chewy texture, bright acidity, and a floral finish. We’re excited to present this first-ever release of Typica Mejorado from El Diviso—a rare and truly special coffee. Eight years ago, brothers Nestor and Adrian Lasso made a bold decision: rather than following the traditional methods passed down by their parents, they chose to explore the world of specialty coffee and experimental processing. Today, at just 25 and 27, they’ve become part of a new generation of Colombian producers pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation. Together with Jhoan Vergara, another young producer from a coffee-farming family, they founded El Diviso — a project that brings together their two family farms: El Diviso (Lasso brothers) and Las Flores (Vergara), near Pitalito, in southern Huila. This partnership has allowed them to pool their knowledge, resources, and passion to consistently produce exceptional coffees. Six years ago, the team began working closely with Cat and Pierre, founders of CATA Export, to refine fermentation techniques and develop protocols that would elevate their coffees for the international market. This collaboration has required time, trust, and significant investment — but the results speak for themselves. Their coffees have become a fixture in barista competitions across Europe, and around the world. Today, Finca El Diviso and CATA Export operate as a single, forward-thinking unit, with shared goals and a deep commitment to quality, education, and transparency. The friendship between Nestor and Cat embodies the values at the heart of CATA’s mission: building meaningful, long-term relationships that support the next generation of producers and help them thrive. We’re proud to continue showcasing coffees from El Diviso — not only for their exceptional cup profiles, but for the spirit of progress and collaboration they represent.
