Juan Peña needs little introduction. As the driving force behind Hacienda La Papaya, Juan has become one of Ecuador’s most respected coffee producers — a name regularly heard on competition stages around the world. Though the land has been in the Peña family since the end of colonial rule, coffee only arrived in 2010, when Juan planted his first trees. Four years later, a storm wiped out his rose crop, shifting his focus entirely to coffee.

Juan’s background in agricultural engineering and horticulture shapes his highly methodical approach. Every step — from cultivation to processing — is executed with precision, earning him a reputation for producing coffees of exceptional clarity and structure.

Process:

This lot begins with five days of closed, anaerobic fermentation inside rum barrels — each of which had previously aged Ecuadorian rum for over two decades. Those years left behind a complex microbial ecosystem within the oak, now influencing the development of the coffee.

During fermentation, the cherries are monitored closely in dark, climate-controlled rooms, allowing the microbiota to thrive and the cherries to take on subtle notes from the barrel. Drying takes place over 28–30 days in carefully managed conditions, until moisture levels are just right.

In the Cup:

This is fermentation done right — vibrant but clean. There’s tropical brightness and a measured funk, landing somewhere between tepache and a crisp orange wine. Notes of red grape bring a welcome juiciness, while a punch of passionfruit candy sweetness adds energy and charm. Bold, balanced, and full of character.

Tasting Notes: Tepache, Orange Wine, Passionfruit Candy, Red Grape

Producer - Juan Peña

What is the roast recency?

We recommend brewing with beans that are at least two weeks off roast. All beans are roasted to peak flavour at around 6-12 weeks. We have the option to either purchase standard beans (at least 2 weeks but no longer than 6 weeks off roast), or rested beans (at least 7 weeks off roast, no longer than 12 - should we have any left in stock!). For peak flavour, if you are looking to use immediately, we recommend purchasing the rested beans. If you are adding to your rotation of beans, we recommend purchasing the standard and allowing the beans to naturally rest and mature whilst you rotate through other beans.