Victoria Atao, SL9, Peru - Espresso

Eudis Orosco and his wife Victoria Atao manage their farm with a strong respect for nature. Much of the original forest has been preserved for shade, with only minimal clearing carried out for coffee planting. This creates a diverse and balanced ecosystem in which the coffee plants can thrive.

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Flavour Notes: Elderflower, Bergamot, Citrus Fruits, Melon Producer: Victoria Atao Located: Cusco Varietal: SL9 (Geisha Inca) Processing: Fully Washed Harvest: September-November 2025

Eudis explained how traditional Inca agroforestry practices are guided by the lunar cycle, from the planting of new trees through to harvest. For them, managing the ecosystem is inseparable from managing life itself, and maintaining this balance is central to producing exceptional coffee.

Victoria and Eudis work closely together across their chacra, where they cultivate Geisha varieties in two primary plots. Bella Vista is the plot where coffee from Eudis Orosco is harvested separately, while Finca Paulette is the plot where coffee from Victoria Atao is produced. Both lots are processed at the beneficio at Finca Bella Vista. The primary distinction between the two plots is that the majority of SL9 varieties at Finca Paulette produce yellow cherries, while Finca Bella Vista is predominantly planted with red cherry selections.

Geisha Inca is a local mutation of SL9, itself derived from Ethiopian heirloom varieties that have been cultivated in the district for decades. Historically, these varieties were widely neglected due to their low yields. However, through careful quality management and growing market recognition, Eudis and Victoria have continued planting more of these remarkable varieties at even higher altitudes, producing exceptional results and creating stronger economic returns for the local community.

Victoria Atao's SL9 from Cusco showcases what fully washed coffees can deliver: clarity and brightness in the cup. Father Carpenter has roasted this Peru microlot to express floral and citrus-forward character—elderflower and bergamot lead, with layered citrus fruits and melon rounding out the profile. The SL9 varietal, grown in Cusco's highland terroir, lends itself to these delicate, tea-like notes that espresso can amplify into concentrated aromatics. This is a coffee for those seeking complexity beyond the traditional nutty or chocolate-forward espresso experience. Father Carpenter has positioned it as an alternative option for drinkers drawn to floral and fruit-driven espresso, where the washed processing supports a cleaner, more nuanced extraction.