Finca El Diviso

Finca El Diviso is a multi-generational coffee estate located in the Normandía village of Pitalito, in the Huila department of Colombia. Founded in 1996 by José Uribe Lasso, the farm has evolved from a traditional coffee operation into a global hub for agricultural innovation and experimental processing. Today, the farm is managed by the third generation of the family, brothers Néstor and Adrián Lasso, who took over the 18-hectare property in their early twenties with a vision to move beyond the commodity-focused practices of the past.

When the brothers assumed control, they made a deliberate shift away from the traditional Caturra and Castillo varieties grown by their parents. They began investing heavily in infrastructure and research to cultivate exotic, high-value varieties such as Sidra, Ombligón, and Java. This transition was driven by a desire to improve both the quality of their output and the economic sustainability of their family business, allowing them to reach international specialty markets that prioritize unique flavor profiles.

Finca El Diviso is perhaps best known for its rigorous approach to post-harvest processing. The farm has become synonymous with advanced fermentation techniques, including controlled anaerobic environments and thermal shock processes. These methods are designed to enhance the clarity, intensity, and complexity of the cup, resulting in flavor profiles that often feature notes of tropical fruit, florals, and distinct sweetness. By standardizing these experimental protocols, the Lasso family has achieved a level of consistency that is rare in highly experimental coffee production.

This commitment to innovation has earned the farm significant prestige within the global specialty coffee industry. Their coffees are frequently sought after by roasters and competitors alike, gaining international attention when they were featured in the winning routine of the 2022 World Barista Champion, Anthony Douglas. Such accolades have solidified the farm's reputation as a leader in the 'new wave' of Colombian coffee, where the producer's technical skill is considered as vital as the farm's terroir.

Beyond the technical achievements, the story of Finca El Diviso is one of family legacy and reinvestment. The brothers emphasize that their success is built upon the foundation laid by their grandfather and father, combined with a modern, data-driven approach to farming. They view the farm not just as a place of production, but as a laboratory for testing new ideas that can push the boundaries of what coffee can taste like.

For the roaster and the drinker, Finca El Diviso represents the pinnacle of modern, high-end specialty coffee. The farm's ability to produce consistent, high-scoring lots—often exceeding 88 points on the cupping scale—has made it a benchmark for quality. As the industry continues to focus on climate resilience and flavor innovation, the work being done at El Diviso serves as a blueprint for how small-to-medium-sized family farms can thrive by embracing experimentation and direct market engagement.