Bolivia Finca Alasitas Natural Geisha (150g)

Bolivia Finca Alasitas Coco Natural Geisha

Processing: Coco Natural
Variety: Geisha
Region: Caranavi
Producer: Finca Alasitas of Fincas Rodriguez
Tasting notes: Jasmine, Papaya, Mango, Fresh Cream

Participating in a Cup of Excellence sponsored auction, we knew we were going to secure a truly special coffee.  Having experience with some of the incredibly rare coffees grown in Bolivia, and the rare and treasured Geisha varietal, this lot called to us from the very beginning.  As the only American roaster to secure any coffees from 2024's Los Rodriguez auction, we are confident you've never had coffee quite like this before.

(nb: due to the quality and rarity of this coffee, we are not offering to pre-grind it for our customers.  This 150g limited edition tin is only available filled with whole bean roasted coffee)

From the producer:

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Alasitas lies in a lush, steep mountain valley around 10 kilometers outside of the town of Caranavi of La Paz department. The farm is located at the door of the Amazon Jungle and the views that the farm offers is layers of mountains that vanish into infinity merging with the blue colors of the sky. To presence this view during a sunset or at dawn is probably one of the most fulfilling moments we can think of – the view, fresh air, a characteristic smell of fresh leaves or jasmine (during flowering season), the sound of birds, good company & a cup of coffee. This is luxury, and could we even ask for anything else?

Fincas Los Rodriguez, a total of 12 different farms, are located in two regions of Bolivia: Caranavi & Samaipata. The regions are both very impressive in their own way, yet totally different from one another in terms of vegetation, culture and people and of course, coffee. Alasitas is one of the Rodriguez family’s twelve coffee farms. The company started the project in 2012 as response to the sharply declining rates of coffee production in the area and to demonstrate to local farmers what can be achieved with modern farming techniques and a scientific approach.

Agricafe prepared the land on 20.6 hectares and planted Red & Yellow Caturra, Java and Geisha. The Caturra is planted on a small hill. From the nursery this plantation looks like a finger print, since the streets between the plants and the shape in which the coffee plants grow, follow perfectly ordered circular lines.

The Geisha plantation the crown of the farm, on top of a steep mountain, which only receives sun in the mornings, and therefore enjoys a special micro climate. It is really impressive how big, healthy and leafy the Geisha plants are growing here and it’s easy to recognize the plants are happily growing on fertile soil and ideal temperatures for their development.

The name of the farm is Alasitas, which in the Aymara native language means ‘Buy Me’.

Starting at noon on the 24th of January every year (which also happens to be Pedro Pablo’s birthday!) Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, comes alive with a sense of promise, wishfulness and whimsy.

The scene may seem strange to someone unfamiliar with this cultural event that has its roots in the Aymara traditions and has evolved over the centuries to incorporate elements of Catholicism and Western consumerism, but to locals, Alasitas is an important fixture in their calendar.

During the festival, thousands gather in La Paz to buy miniature items – cars, hours, university degrees, suitcases full of cash, potential spouses – of everything they want in the coming year. It can be something material, or something that brings luck – like a chicken that will help you find love, or a frog that will bring you good fortune.

All miniatures are blessed by a Yatiri (a spiritual leader in Aymara culture) and offered to the Ekeko, the Andean god of abundance. Miniatures are exchanged with family and friends, in a hope that their dreams will be realised, and in turn, you will also be blessed with abundance.

Reciprocity is at the heart of the Alasitas festivals and it is for this reason that it is a fitting name for the farm. The Alasitas farm is one of the largest the Rodriguez’s own in Caranavi and was created with the vision of becoming a model farm local coffee growers could learn from, and be inspired by, thus helping them realize the vast potential of their land and crops.

The Caranavi region is a wild zone, merely inhabited by a couple of people and no exploited lands, which adds a special mystic to the farms here.

The Alasitas farm is home to a cottage that hopes to welcome visitors from all over the world and offer an authentic experience of Bolivia’s beautiful coffee growing region. Los Rodriguez call it „La casita“, their little house which is located at the peak of the mountain, surrounded by beautiful Geisha coffee plants.

The little terrace is the perfect place to observe the gigantic Amazonian jungle that radiates peace and tranquility, and to enjoy the silence which is only interrupted by the sound of birds and monkeys playing around.

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