Peru Clever Sidra

We have been working with Clever Acosta, the producer of this lot, since 2019, but our relationship deepened in 2021 when Chris Vigilante visited his 4 hectare farm while traveling to Peru to judge for the Atipanaku competition. Chris quickly noticed that Clever was dedicated to producing excellent coffee through both bold coffee processing experimentation and thorough testing via roasting and cupping. As a result, Acosta is a regular winner of the Cup of Excellence in Peru.

Sr. Acosta has continued to strive for excellence and pursuit of the best coffee, which has included adding different coffee tree varieties to his collection. We were fortunate to get our hands on a small amount of a relatively new varietal, which has disputed origins: Sidra. Emerging onto the global scene from the Pichincha province in Ecuador, some say that this is an un-released varietal that Nestle had been working on. Genetic testing of samples from Sidra plants have had varying results, with some suggesting a close similarity to Ethiopian Heirloom varieties. Suffice it to say that this coffee is a bit of a mystery still, but the flavor in the cup speaks for itself.

Clever processed this lot using the fully washed method, which allows for the depth of flavor and sweetness to really shine - a syrupy sweet caramel aroma with notes of marzipan leads to a corresponding deep sweetness in the cup, while a juicy, vibrant acidity (suggesting cranberry, plum or apple) adds some intrigue to this exceptionally well-balanced brew that will leave a lingering sweetness on your palate after your last sip.

How to Brew It:

This coffee should perform well using filter methods for more clarified flavors, or for more rounded and layered flavors, use immersion methods. Brew temperatures should be between 200 to 205, at a ratio of 1:15.

CountryPeru

RegionChirinos, Cajamarca

Varietal100% Sidra

Altitude1820 MASL

Production MethodWashed

Roast LevelLight

Clever Sidra

Peru

Tasting Notes

Caramel Aroma

Cola

Juicy

Silky Body

Vibrant Acidity

Lingering Sweetness

Produced by Clever Acosta in the Chirinos region of Cajamarca, this Peru Clever Sidra represents a compelling look at high-altitude coffee cultivation in Peru. The lot features the Sidra varietal, a cultivar often celebrated for its complex profile and unique genetic lineage. By utilizing a washed process, the producer emphasizes the inherent clarity and structural elegance of the bean, resulting in a cup defined by a silky body and vibrant acidity.

Roasted by Vigilante Coffee, this selection highlights the interplay between regional terroir and meticulous post-harvest handling. While washed coffees are frequently prized for their clean, bright profiles, this specific lot balances those characteristics with deep, resonant notes of cola and caramel. For those looking to further explore the nuances of this cup, referencing a flavor wheel can be a helpful tool in identifying the lingering sweetness and juicy qualities that define this particular harvest.