Whole Bean
Roast: Light
Recommended Rest: 4-6 weeks from roast date
Tasting Notes: Red plum, rose, nectarine, longan

Origin Details

Region: Hatumpampa, Cusco, Peru
Elevation: 2145m
Producer: Jhenrri Chavez, Chavez Estate
Process: Natural
Variety: SL9

ABOUT THIS COFFEE AND PRODUCER

The SL9 varietal has interested us for a long time. Colloquially known as “Inca Gesha” in Peru, SL9’s origins are still a mystery. Originally, Inca Gesha was thought to be its own distinct varietal hailing from Ethiopian Gesha genetics. However, genetic testing pioneered by Lance Schnorenberg of SEY Coffee and Christophe Montagnon of RD2 Vision found that Inca Gesha was a surprisingly close match to SL-09 from Kenya. As a result, Inca Gesha was almost universally renamed “SL-9”. There is still debate about whether SL9 should still be referred to as Inca Gesha, as this was and still is the term Peruvian farmers use to refer to their crop, and while it is a very close match to SL-09, it is not exact. 

This natural SL9 lot is from Chavez Estate. It is the same plot and similar process that helped the Chavez family place fourth in the 2025 Peru Cup of Excellence. The cherries are first cleaned to wash away surface bacteria, then they are fermented inside grainpro bags for 7 days.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS COFFEE

We’re excited to share the second release in our duo of SL9 launches—and this one is even rarer.

Natural processed SL9s from Peru are very uncommon, making this an especially unique expression of both the varietal and region. Even more exciting, this later harvest managed to preserve many of the same qualities we loved in the COE-winning lot, while leaning into a bigger and more fruit-driven profile.

This is a complex but still punchy natural—expressive without losing the clarity and elegance that make SL9 so captivating.

The cup opens with juicy red plum and dashes of rose-like florals that immediately lift the profile. As it cools, the fruit character shifts toward lighter and sweeter stonefruits, reminding us of ripe nectarine. Throughout the entire experience, there’s an undeniable tropical note present—subtle honey like, layered, and complex, like fresh mellow longan.

It’s a super fun counterpoint to the washed SL9 we’re releasing alongside it, and we hope you enjoy exploring the contrast between the two as much as we have.