Colombia | Nestor Lasso | Ombligon Natural | Signature Series

About Nestor Lasso

About Ombligon Varietal

Ombligon is a rare and fascinating coffee variety grown almost exclusively in Huila, Colombia, and brought to wider attention by producers like Nestor Lasso. Thought to be a natural mutation of Ethiopian landrace varieties, Ombligon is named for its unique cherry shape, which resembles a small belly button ("ombligo" in Spanish). Its scarcity, exotic genetics, and striking cup profile have made it a prized variety among experimental coffee producers and roasters.

The flavor of Ombligon is bold yet elegant—often showing notes of sweet cherry, creamy milk chocolate, and ripe berries, with a silky body and long, complex finish. It responds especially well to innovative processing techniques like carbonic maceration and thermal shock, which Nestor and his team have mastered. With growing interest from the global specialty scene, including its use in high-level barista competitions, Ombligon is quickly becoming a standout in Colombia’s next generation of exotic coffees.

Coffee in Colombia

Coffee holds a rich and storied place in Colombia’s cultural and economic history. Colombia’s coffee-growing regions, characterized by fertile volcanic soils, high altitudes, and ideal climates, provide perfect conditions for cultivating Arabica beans, which thrive in these unique environments. This terroir contributes to the bright acidity, balanced body, and nuanced flavors typical of Colombian coffee, often with notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and chocolate. The coffee industry in Colombia has long been rooted in small-scale farming, with generations of families dedicating themselves to the craft of growing, harvesting, and processing coffee. This emphasis on tradition and quality has helped establish Colombia as one of the most respected coffee producers in the world.

In recent years, Colombian coffee has experienced a revival, thanks in part to the growing specialty coffee market. Producers, inspired by changing consumer demands, have explored new and experimental approaches to processing, such as natural, honey, and anaerobic fermentation methods, to diversify flavor profiles and showcase the country’s potential. With a focus on high-quality, traceable, and ethically sourced beans, Colombian coffee producers have embraced exotic varietals like Gesha and innovative cultivation practices, elevating the profile of Colombian coffee on the global stage. This movement has not only revitalized Colombia’s coffee industry but also encouraged sustainable practices and fair trade, providing more economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and drawing coffee enthusiasts from around the world.