Peru doesn’t enjoy nearly the same celebrated status that its coffee-producing neighbours Colombia and Brazil do. This is largely a matter of quantity. Since the 1970s, the Central American country has lacked much of the infrastructure necessary for high-volume coffee production in even the commodity space, let alone in the specialty scene. Coffee in Peru is largely grown on scattered smallholding farms, and many farmers have to send their coffee long distances to the nearest coffee mill. This often takes longer than is typically desired between harvest and processing, to the detriment of the final product’s quality. 

In recent years, though, more and more specialty Peruvian coffee lots have been making their way to the wider world, thanks to the hard work of coffee cooperatives like Norcafe, that produced this lot. By pooling resources and knowledge, coffee cooperatives make it possible for smallholder farmers to access critical infrastructure and supply-chain nodes like processing mills and external markets, as well as improve the quality of their harvest. 

Phaedon's tasting notes

I would venture to say that the flavour profile of this particular Peruvian lot diverges somewhat from what I've come to expect and enjoy from Rosetta's specialty Peruvians over the years. Many of those coffees have been quite full-bodied and "heavy" in an enjoyable and classic way, whereas this lot's body is a bit lighter, and the cup a bit cleaner, neither of which detracted from my appreciation of the coffee. This coffee also offers a sweet and slightly fruity brightness, but also a bit of a toasted note. I found myself thinking of toasted blanched almonds, particularly in my immersion brews. There's also a subtle tea-like quality, particularly in pour-overs. I found this coffee shone in a siphon, a French press and an AeroPress as well as a moka pot. I would expect it to make delicious, balanced espresso.

Rosetta Roastery's notes

Style: Classic
Flavour profile: Juicy, Candied Orange, Camomile

"Named “The Pearl” in Spanish, La Perla Collective captures the kind of beauty that emerges slowly: refined, comforting, and effortlessly approachable. This coffee opens with notes of soft yellow fruit and mild floral hints. We start with a moderate charge temperature and aim for a longer roast time to encourage even internal development - especially important given the varieties included in this collective lot’s higher density and larger size. A restrained post-crack development where we strive to maximise sweetness and preserve cup clarity, allows its citrus vibrancy and tea-like finish to shine."

Coffee details from Rosetta

"In Lonya Grande, a network of determined women, united by a shared purpose, is reshaping the Peruvian coffee industry. Backed by Gotca Coffee (formerly Norcafé Cooperative), they’ve been creating space for growth, skill-building, and leadership - driven by a fierce dedication to quality. Their efforts are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable Peruvian coffee sector."

• Altitude: 1,600 - 1,800 masl
• Processing: Washed
• Varieties: Caturra, Pache, Typica
• Region: Lonya Grande, Utcubamba, Amazonas
• Country: Peru
• Producers: Smallholder female farmers of the Gotcha Coffee (Norcafé Cooperative)
• Harvest: 2024
• Certification: Organic (at source)