Peru — Julio Chavez San Sebastian SL9 (Washed)

Tastes Like — 🌸 Jasmine • 🍑 Peach • 🍈 Pomelo • 🍵 Sencha

DETAILS

• Producer: Julio Chavez

• Farm: San Sebastian

• Region: Inkawasi, Cusco, Peru

• Varietal: SL-9

• Process: Washed

• Altitude: 2320m

• Roast: Light

• Size: 227g

INTRO

We're excited to share a washed SL9 from San Sebastian, another Peru Cup of Excellence farm that has been producing some really impressive coffees. This lot offers an approachable way into the SL9s we've been enjoying from Peru without giving up the clarity and complexity that makes them so interesting.

THE PRODUCER

The San Sebastian farm sits at the foot of the majestic APU Choquesafra mountain. The volcanic soil, uniquely high elevation, and rich ecology of the area contribute to the distinct terroir only found in Inkawasi, Peru. Julio Chavez, the producer of this batch at San Sebastian, placed twice in the Peru Cup of Excellence—in 2022, his lot scored 90.25 for second place, and in 2024, 89.29 for seventh place.

THE PROCESS

The Washed process at San Sebastian involves:

• 🍒 Cherry Selection — Careful picking at peak ripeness

• 🔧 De-Pulping — Mechanical removal of skin and mucilage

• 💧 Fermentation — Traditional washed fermentation

• 🚿 Washing — Thorough washing in clean water

• ☀️ African Bed Drying — 14 days on raised African beds

This traditional washed process, followed by careful raised-bed drying, creates the clean, low-fermentation clarity that defines this approachable yet complex SL9.

THE CUP

The coffee is highly floral from the start, with jasmine and peach aromas that come through immediately. In the cup, a round peach-like acidity meets the crisp citrus character of pomelo, creating a clean balance between sweetness and brightness. As it cools, the profile settles into a delicate sencha tea finish that keeps the cup feeling light and refreshing—very clean with low fermentation qualities, crisp, and easy to drink, whilst still showing plenty of the character these Peruvian coffees are known for.

Flavour Notes

• 🌸 Jasmine

• 🍑 Peach

• 🍈 Pomelo

• 🍵 Sencha