There’s something brewing in the Las Vegas Arts District—literally. Iwana Coffee, the sister-owned café that opened in mid-2024, has turned its kitchen into a lab for Colombia’s most coveted beans. With a DiedrichDR-3 roaster now humming behind the counter, the shop is crafting fresh profiles in real time, guided by a Colombia-based master roaster who once shipped beans by air to Nevada. This isn’t just about coffee—it’s about redefining how specialty beans reach the table.
The space itself is a statement. White walls clash with bold purple accents, including a wall emblazoned with “Fudge Your Bad Vibes.” The color isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a nod to creativity and transformation, values the sisters Alexandra and Karol Rodriguez Borrero say underpin their approach to coffee and storytelling. The design, curated by local agency Pretty Done, weaves art and intention into every detail—from the Fiorenzato F83 E Pro grinder’s painted case to the Origami drippers that spotlight each bean’s origin. These tools aren’t just functional; they’re part of a larger narrative about craftsmanship and community.
The beans tell an even deeper story. The sisters’ family farm, Finca La Esmeralda, spans 80 hectares in Colombia, with 70,000 trees growing Cenicafé 1, Pink Bourbon, Gesha, and Pacamara. Their father and brother run FARO Coffee Hub, which processes and exports these beans using methods like natural fermentation and honey processing. Now, Iwana is bringing that precision to Las Vegas, offering a Gesha variety once auctioned for $65 per pound. It’s a bridge between farm and cup, built on legacy and innovation.
The sisters aren’t stopping at roasting. They’re planning online sales, public classes, and two more Vegas locations this year, with a 50-store rollout across the U.S. by 2030. This isn’t just about coffee—it’s about reimagining how specialty beans are grown, processed, and shared.
The café’s design is a curated blend of art, intention, and community, reflecting its founders’ values.
KEY POINTS: Iwana’s in-house roasting turns Colombian gems into local staples, bridging farm and cup with precision. The café’s design is a curated blend of art, intention, and community, reflecting its founders’ values. The sisters’ family legacy spans from Colombia’s high-altitude farms to Las Vegas, ensuring quality and sustainability at every step.
CLOSE: What’s your favorite way to experience Colombian coffee—roasted fresh or as a rare auction find? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
Where can I buy Iwana Coffee in Las Vegas?
Iwana Coffee is available at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. It offers fresh Colombian coffee roasts in their café and through their website for delivery.
What makes Iwana Coffee’s Colombian roasts special?
Iwana Coffee uses small-batch roasting to highlight the unique flavors of Colombian beans. Their roasts are known for rich notes of chocolate, caramel, and citrus, offering a premium tasting experience.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
