Ecuador — Juan Peña, Hacienda La Papaya, Washed Gesha

Tastes Like — 🍑 Peach • 🌸 Jasmine • 🍯 Honeycomb 

DETAILS

• Producer: Juan Peña
• Farm: Hacienda La Papaya
• Region: Saraguro, Loja, Ecuador
• Varietal: Gesha
• Process: Washed
• Altitude: 2,000 MASL
• Harvest: September 2025
• Size: 125g

INTRO

Only the third year Juan Peña has produced a washed Gesha at Hacienda La Papaya — and this small lot has already secured its place as a remarkable achievement. Classic Gesha florals fill the cup with jasmine and honeycomb sweetness, whilst peach, citrus, and tropical yellow fruits add depth and vibrancy. A coffee of real beauty from one of Ecuador's most celebrated producers.

Available in 125g due to the very small lot size — this is a coffee to savour.

THE PRODUCER

Juan Peña has been producing high-quality coffee at Hacienda La Papaya for many years. What began as a rose farm transitioned to coffee production in 2009, with the first export following in 2014 — marking the beginning of a well-earned reputation for both exceptional quality and a scientific approach to cultivation. Located at 2,000 MASL on his 11-hectare farm in Saraguro, Loja, Peña takes a data-driven approach to farm management, always seeking to improve quality through experimentation and precision.

Innovation and experimentation are at the heart of everything at Hacienda La Papaya. This Gesha separation is a testament to Peña's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with each variety he grows — and this is only the beginning of what promises to be a special chapter for washed Gesha at the farm.

THE PROCESS

The Washed process at Hacienda La Papaya involves:

• 🍒 Selective Harvest — Cherries picked at peak ripeness and floated to remove defects
• 🔧 Depulping — Ripe cherries depulped immediately
• 💧 Submerged Fermentation — Seeds submerged in water and fermented for 15 hours
• 💧 Thorough Rinsing — Seeds thoroughly rinsed to remove all remaining mucilage
• 🌡️ Drying Room Drying — Seeds moved to drying rooms and dried on raised beds for 10–18 days

The precise submerged fermentation and controlled drying environment preserve the delicate florals and honeyed sweetness that make this Gesha so captivating.

THE CUP

Florid and honeyed, with a beautiful structure. Peach and jasmine lead the aromatics, with tropical yellow fruits and citrus adding brightness and complexity. Honeycomb sweetness weaves through the cup to a clean, lingering finish. An outstanding Gesha from a producer at the very top of his craft.

Flavour Notes

• 🍑 Peach
• 🌸 Jasmine
• 🍯 Honeycomb