Silent Springs – Laurina – NaturalLaurina - Natural

Syrupy, sweet, and just a little rummy, this is the kind of coffee we’d happily reach for after dinner. Its late-in-the-day drinkability is thanks in large part to its unique genetic makeup: the Laurina variety contains about 50% less caffeine than standard Arabica, making it ideal for evening enjoyment.

This Laurina comes from Silent Springs, a farm tucked into the rugged backcountry of Moorpark, California. There, coffee is grown inside protective tunnels—a technique adapted from Ventura County’s berry growers—that buffers the plants from coastal winds and the occasional frost.

Laurina is a rare coffee varietal prized for its naturally low caffeine content. A mutation of Bourbon, it was first discovered on Réunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. Originally known as “Bourbon Pointu” for its pointed seeds, the variety has also been called “Leroy” (from le roi, or “the king”) and “Laurina” (a nod to the laurel tree it resembles). For centuries, it’s been favored by dignitaries from Louis XV to Winston Churchill to French President Jacques Chirac.

This lot was picked at peak ripeness, floated to remove underripe beans, and processed whole cherry in the natural style. A controlled, slow-drying phase over three weeks allowed the sugars to fully concentrate. The result: a rum-raisin cake of a cup with a luxuriously sweet and winey finish.