Lucio Luque – Gesha Variety

Located on the outskirts of Amaybamba—a small village deep within the Incahuasi Valley—is Lucio Luque’s young coffee parcel, Nuevo Progresso. This portion of his farm is unique in that it was planted with a single variety, which although was initially thought to be SL-09 was later discovered to be Gesha. His excitement and intentional planting of this variety piqued our attention, and we worked with the cooperative and our supply chain partners to isolate Lucio’s coffee from the larger blend it would have otherwise been destined for. The resulting coffee is delicately floral and reminiscent of bubble gum and grapefruit.

We're excited to offer a limited amount of this coffee in special 4oz packaging that includes a Jenna Gotthelf trading card, while supplies last. Jenna, our Wholesale Education Manager, used Lucio Luque's Gesha coffee in her run for the US Barista Championship.

Produced by Lucio Luque in the Incahuasi Valley of Peru, this offering highlights the distinct potential of the Gesha varietal when cultivated in high-altitude Andean landscapes. Gesha is widely prized in the specialty industry for its exceptional floral aromatics and tea-like clarity, characteristics that often set it apart from more common cultivars. While natural-processed coffees often lean toward heavier fruit profiles, this specific lot from Counter Culture Coffee presents a nuanced sensory experience defined by notes of floral, bubble gum, and grapefruit.

For those looking to better understand the vocabulary used to describe such complex profiles, referencing a flavor wheel can be an invaluable tool for identifying and categorizing these delicate nuances. By focusing on the intersection of regional terroir and the unique genetic expression of the Gesha plant, this coffee serves as a compelling example of the meticulous work being done by producers in the Incahuasi Valley.