Gilber Huallyas

Tasting Notes: Bergamot, Lemongrass, Peach Rings, Blood Orange, Honeysuckle

Description: This SL-09 is from Gilber Huayllas who received 3rd place in the Peru cup of excellence last year with one of his SL-09 lots! SL-09 is one of the “new” and exciting varieties that have caught everyone’s interest. It turns out that many were labeling it as Gesha or "Inca Gesha" due to some of the flavor similarities however it comes from an entirely different lineage. Some deep digging into its history has shown that it’s possibly related to an old Scott Labs Cultivar developed in Kenya in the early 20th century.

Gilber's farm, Llactapata, is located on the slopes of Apu Choqesafra, a mountain in the Peruvian Andes. His farm is at a whopping ~2400 MASL and has a unique microclimate provided by the cold mountain air, nearby glaciers, and volcanic soil. This combined with his immaculate farming and processing methods result truly special coffee.

Impressions: There was too much complexity and vibrancy to only have 3 tasting notes on the bag. In the aroma we’re getting bright floral citrus with a notably strong bergamot note with some lemongrass mixed in as well. Following that, there is candied and juicy stone fruit like peach rings and honey mango. The base of the coffee focuses in on tart blood orange, raspberry, and orange blossom honey. Finally the aroma ends with lush honeysuckle and lilac. The taste is similar to the aroma however the blood orange, raspberry, and honey really take the focus and the florals turn exceptionally sweet and creamy on the finish.