Nestor Lasso & Friends

Nestor Lasso, alongside his brother Adrian Lasso, represents a new generation of Colombian coffee producers who have shifted the focus of their family legacy toward high-end specialty production. Based in the Pitalito region of Huila, the brothers operate Finca El Diviso, a farm originally established by their grandfather, José Uribe. While their parents primarily focused on commodity coffee, Nestor and Adrian pivoted toward specialty coffee to improve both their economic outcomes and the quality of their output, eventually partnering with fellow producer Jhoan Vergara to expand their reach and technical capabilities.

The farm is situated at high altitudes, ranging from approximately 1,700 to 1,900 meters above sea level, providing an ideal climate for cultivating exotic and sensitive coffee varieties. The Lasso family’s commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse botanical portfolio, which includes rare and sought-after cultivars such as Ombligon, Sidra, Bourbon Ají, Yellow Papayo, and various Geisha selections. This diversity is a cornerstone of their reputation, allowing them to offer unique flavor profiles that stand out in the global specialty market.

Central to the success of Nestor Lasso’s coffee is his rigorous approach to post-harvest processing. The team at El Diviso is widely known for their experimentation with anaerobic fermentation and thermal shock methods. By carefully controlling variables such as Brix levels during harvest and fermentation duration, they are able to manipulate the final cup profile to achieve intense, fruit-forward characteristics—often described as having notes of passion fruit, strawberry jam, pineapple, and floral aromatics.

This dedication to precision has earned Nestor Lasso significant acclaim within the specialty coffee industry. His lots are frequently featured by high-end roasters worldwide and are often cited in competition-grade coffee discussions. The collaboration between the Lasso brothers and Jhoan Vergara has effectively turned El Diviso into a hub for modern processing techniques, serving as a case study for how young producers can leverage scientific inquiry and collaborative knowledge to elevate their farm's standing.

For the roaster and the consumer, the 'Nestor Lasso' tag signifies a product of meticulous labor and a departure from traditional processing norms. The consistency of his output, despite the complexity of his experimental methods, has made his name synonymous with the 'new wave' of Colombian coffee. His work demonstrates a successful transition from traditional farming to a model that prioritizes quality, transparency, and the exploration of new sensory frontiers.

Today, Nestor Lasso stands as one of the most influential young figures in Colombian coffee. His story is one of generational transition, where the foundational knowledge passed down from his grandfather was combined with modern, data-driven processing to create a globally recognized brand. As he continues to refine his techniques at El Diviso, his influence remains a benchmark for producers seeking to balance heritage with the demands of the contemporary specialty market.