Alexander Quispe

From Cusco, in the province of Amaybamba - Inkawasi, brings us his Anaerobic Washed SL9.
 
Altitude: 2200 masl
Farm: Las Cumbres
Location: 
 
"...These caveats are important to consider not only for us when purchasing green coffee, but also for our clients as they evaluate this emerging variety. " 
 
Fragrance/Aroma and Flavor:
Sweet floral and fruity, rose tea, raspberry peach and panela (brown sugar), with a floral/plum base.
 
Aftertaste:
Balanced fruity, medium in length.
 
Body:
Tea like body.
 
Acidity:
Big citric acidity.
 
This year has been one of discovery, not only of new sourcing locations such as Piura and Puno, but also a new variety SL9.
 
While there is much that can be said about this variety, what we currently understand is that it appears to be a mutation of Ethiopian Geishas, locally known as Geisha Inka. These have only recently been described through collaborations between a U.S. roaster and local teams in the Inkawasi region of Cusco. Not all Inkawasi Geishas are SL9, and without proper genetic testing it is not possible to definitively identify SL9 plants.
 
For this reason, we have erred on the side of caution, working only with producers whose seed stock can be traced back to farmers verified to have the correct genetics. In addition, we have identified several distinguishing characteristics in the plant itself, including its leaves and green beans (as well as in the cup, though sensory evaluation is more subjective).
 
These caveats are important to consider not only for us when purchasing green coffee, but also for our clients as they evaluate this emerging variety.