Bolivia: Las Alasitas, Yellow Caturra

Tucked into the steep, green valleys of Bolinda, just outside Caranavi, Bolivia, Finca Las Alasitas is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, innovation, and sustainability converge in coffee farming. Established in 2014 by the Rodriguez family under their company Agricafe, the farm was born out of a bold response to Bolivia’s declining coffee production. With decades of experience in processing and exporting coffee, the family sought to create a model for sustainable, high-quality cultivation that could inspire and support other producers across the region.

Las Alasitas spans 20.6 hectares, with nearly 16 hectares planted with coffee, and sits at an altitude of around 1,642 metres above sea level. The farm’s location in the high-altitude, fertile terrain of Bolinda provides ideal growing conditions - cool nights and mild days slow the ripening of coffee cherries, allowing sugars to concentrate and resulting in a sweeter, more complex cup. This natural advantage, combined with meticulous farming practices, has helped Las Alasitas earn a reputation for producing exceptional coffees.

Cultivating Coffee and Community

The farm is also home to Agricafe’s variety nursery, where agronomists like Rodrigo Frigerio cultivate seedlings of prized varietals such as Geisha, Java, Caturra, and San Bernardo. These seedlings are shared with local producers, helping to diversify and strengthen the genetic foundation of coffee in the region. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Rodriguez family to uplift Bolivian coffee through education, innovation, and collaboration - principles that also underpin their Sol de la Mañana mentorship program.

Rooted in Culture and Celebration

The name Alasitas means “Buy Me” in Aymara, and it draws inspiration from Bolivia’s traditional Alasitas Festival, held annually on January 24th. During the festival, people purchase miniature versions of the things they hope to receive in the coming year - homes, cars, diplomas, and even coffee bags! These are then blessed by a Yatiri (spiritual leader) and offered to Ekeko, the Andean god of abundance. The name is a fitting tribute to the spirit of hope and prosperity that the farm embodies.

• Country: Bolivia
• Region: Yungas
• Province: Caranavi
  
• Colony: Bolinda
• Farm: Las Alasitas
  
• Producers: Fincas Los Rodriguez
  
• Processing Method: Washed
• Varietal: Yellow Caturra

Tasting notes: Marzipan, dark chocolate, brown sugar.

Cup of Excellence Cupping Scores

• Clean cup: (1–8): 6
• Sweetness: (1–8): 6.5
• Acidity: (1–8): 6
• Mouthfeel: (1–8): 6.5
• Flavour: (1–8): 6
• Aftertaste: (1–8): 6
• Balance: (1–8): 6.5
• Overall: (1–8): 6.5
• Correction: (+36): +36
• Total: (max. 100): 86

Roasting Information
Medium: Through the gap and let this develop a little in the gap before finishing just at the first pops of second.