Torque Coffee - Perla Negra

Francisca Cubillo and Oscar Chacon, third-generation coffee farmers, own and operate Beneficio Las Lajas, a renowned and innovative coffee mill in Costa Rica. In 2009, a devastating earthquake struck the country during the peak of their coffee harvest, causing widespread power outages and destruction. Faced with this challenge, Francisca had a bold idea inspired by traditional African coffee-drying methods used in regions with limited electricity and water during the dry season.

She decided to dry their coffee cherries while the fruit was still intact. Coffee cherries were spread out across patios, flat roofs, and hastily constructed camas africanas (African-style raised beds), drying slowly under the sun. The result was a unique, black-dried cherry they named Perla Negra. The flavor was extraordinary, and this innovative process forever changed Costa Rica's coffee industry.

Francisca and Oscar wanted to create something exceptional for a special micro-lot exclusively for Torque. The standout from their hybrid cultivar testing program was Hybrid 17, celebrated for its remarkable sweetness. Knowing how much Torque valued sweetness, Francisca selected only the highest Brix-content cherries from her special reserve lot at Las Lajas—their most treasured farm that gives the mill its name. These cherries were processed using the iconic Perla Negra natural method, producing an exquisite coffee experience.

Tasting Notes: Cherry Cola, Butterscotch, Fig Preserves

Roast Level: Light

Process: Fruit Dried (Natural)

Origin: Costa Rica

Ideal as: Espresso and Filter

Espresso Parameters:
18-19g coffee in
36-38g liquid out
200-201F
27-30 seconds

About Torque: Transforming the world, one sip at a time.

Torque Coffees, founded by Nanelle and Andy Newbom, is revolutionizing the coffee industry with a passion for people and sustainability. With 21 years of hands-on experience across every corner of the coffee world—baristas, roasters, green coffee buyers, exporters, and more—Nanelle and Andy have dedicated their lives to the magic of coffee and its incredible community.

Torque Coffees is redefining fairness with its innovative Proportional Pricing© model, ensuring 20% of the retail price flows directly back to farmers. Torque's transparent and equitable approach empowers producers and reshapes the coffee value chain, creating a fairer, more sustainable future.

Sustainability is at the heart of Torque's mission. Torque is committed to protecting the planet using 100% plastic-free, 100% compostable and biodegradable, and 100% plant-based packaging.

With Torque Coffees, every sip empowers the hands that grew it, nurtures the environment, and brings us closer to a better world.