Peruvian Coffee Story: Is Peruvian COE Coffee Delicious? Where to Buy Good Peruvian Coffee

The Fascinating World of Peruvian Coffee

Peruvian coffee comes wrapped in endless fascination - the ancient mysteries of the Inca, the city in the sky at Machu Picchu, the enigmatic Nazca Lines, Andean peaks that scrape the sky, and Lake Titicaca, South America's largest freshwater lake, sitting at 3,812 meters (nearly the height of Jade Mountain). Peru is, of course, also the home of the llama. In the specialty coffee world, Peru ranks among the most intriguing players of all.

Mention Peruvian beans and the first association is certified organic coffee. Beyond its natural human and environmental advantages, Peru's organic coffee enjoys strong government support - making the country arguably the most important player in the organic coffee market. But perhaps because that organic reputation runs so deep, Peru's specialty coffee development is often overlooked. In truth, Peru possesses what can only be called extraordinary conditions for specialty coffee - and that is no exaggeration.

Blessed by the Andes, Peru's altitude and topographic diversity are simply unique. Fly to the ancient capital of Cusco and you'll gaze down on snow-capped Andean peaks breaking through the clouds - yet just an hour away by air lies Lima, unmistakably a coastal city. On this trip we traveled to Peru's eastern producing region by night bus, a sleeper departing at 8 PM and arriving around 9 the next morning. In barely twelve hours we climbed from sea level across mountain roads at roughly 5,000 meters, then descended to growing regions around 2,000 meters - an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime journey. Planting altitudes of 1,800 or even 2,000 meters are common here. The coffee-producing families, mostly indigenous people living in close harmony with nature, farm in the most natural ways and preserve many old-tree varieties.

2017 was a landmark year for Peruvian specialty coffee. The country's first Cup of Excellence (COE), awaited eagerly by so many, finally took place in October 2017 - a signal that Peru's farmers were looking beyond organic certification alone. The lots featured below were acquired through special channels during that COE competition.

This was our first time sourcing Peruvian coffee directly from these regions. We're bringing you three premium coffees, each with its own distinctive flavor - noble yet affordable, and available in extremely limited quantities. These are rare, high-quality Peruvian specialty coffees you shouldn't miss.

Cupping Notes

Peru - Pasco Region - Oxapampa Province - Veranera Estate - Geisha - Washed

A delicate, elegant dry fragrance with captivating notes of frangipani, blueberry, Earl Grey tea, and lemon peel. The palate unfolds with frangipani, blueberry, peach, bergamot, lemon peel, and coffee blossom - enchanting, with a memorable aftertaste.

Peru - Pasco Region - Oxapampa Province - Veranera Estate - Yellow Catuaí - Natural

A sweet, robust wine-like dry fragrance of mango, peach, passion fruit, and dried red guava. The cup delivers an intoxicating winey character - berries, peaches, rum-soaked raisins, florals - along with complex, intense notes of melon and papaya.

Peru - Amazon Region - Rodriguez Mendoza Province - San Nicolás Agricultural Cooperative - Maragogype/Catuaí - Washed

A dry fragrance of orange peel, citrus, and pomelo with hints of spice. The flavor profile features citrus, grapefruit, black tea, dried figs, and cranberry, with a robust character and a toffee-cocoa finish.

Coffee Details

Country: Peru

Region: Pasco, Oxapampa

Altitude: 1,700 meters

Variety: Geisha (locally called Geysha in Peru)

Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,200mm

Processing Method: Washed, dried on African beds

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

If Peru's washed elegance won you over, FrontStreet Coffee's Washed Guodingding Cooperative from Yirgacheffe makes an excellent next cup. A flagship of Ethiopia's washing-station tradition - a method the government introduced back in the 1970s to raise green bean quality - it carries jasmine florals, lemony acidity, and soft berry tones, proving just how captivating a meticulously washed coffee can be.