Peru — Jhenrri Chavez Chavez Estate SL9 "Inca Gesha" (Natural)

Tastes Like — 🍑 Red Plum • 🌹 Rose • 🍑 Nectarine • 🍈 Longan

DETAILS

• Producer: Jhenrri Chavez

• Farm: Chavez Estate

• Region: Hatumpampa, Cusco, Peru

• Varietal: SL9

• Process: Natural

• Altitude: 2145m

• Roast: Light

• Size: 125g / 1kg

INTRO

The SL9 varietal has interested us for a long time. Colloquially known as "Inca Gesha" in Peru, SL9's origins are still a mystery. We're excited to share the second release in our duo of SL9 launches—and this one is even rarer.

THE PRODUCER

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 whilst it is a very close match to SL-09, it is not exact.

This natural SL9 lot is from Chavez Estate—the same plot and similar process that helped the Chavez family place fourth in the 2025 Peru Cup of Excellence.

THE PROCESS

The Natural process at Chavez Estate involves:

• 🍒 Cherry Cleaning — Surface bacteria washed away

• 🧪 Extended Fermentation — 7 days fermented inside grainpro bags

• ☀️ Natural Drying — Whole cherries dried with fruit intact

Natural processed SL9s from Peru are very uncommon, making this an especially unique expression of both the varietal and region. This extended fermentation preserves the qualities loved in the COE-winning lot whilst leaning into a bigger, more fruit-driven profile.

THE CUP

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. A complex but still punchy natural, expressive without losing the clarity and elegance that make SL9 so captivating.

Flavour Notes

• 🍑 Red Plum

• 🌹 Rose

• 🍑 Nectarine

• 🍈 Longan