PHANTOM - Peru

Cusco, Calca, Yanatile, Huaynapata

Varietal: Bourbon Process: Washed (36 hours) Altitude: 2050masl

Green Grapes, Orange, Chestnut

Grown at a breathtaking 2050 meters above sea level, the coffee from El Progreso is a testament to the lifelong dedication of Agustín and his wife. This four-hectare farm benefits from a unique high-altitude tropical climate, but the true magic lies in the traditional wisdom passed down through generations. Don Agustín treats coffee production as a meticulous craft, prioritising selective hand-picking and shade-drying to preserve the bean's integrity. The result is a cup that doesn't just offer excellent flavour, but also tells the story of a family committed to honouring their ancestral roots with every harvest.

Peru's Cusco region, particularly the high-altitude valleys around Calca and Yanatile, has become known for producing coffees with vibrant acidity and balanced complexity. This lot from El Progreso in Huaynapata showcases the Bourbon varietal, a foundational cultivar prized for its versatility across diverse terroirs. The washed processing method emphasizes the coffee's inherent character, typically highlighting clarity and brightness—traits reflected here through notes of green grapes and citrus. Dark Arts Coffee's tasting profile suggests a coffee that bridges fruit-forward aromatics with earthy depth, the chestnut note suggesting subtle body development. At 2,050 meters, the beans develop slowly in Yanatile's cool mountain climate, a factor that often contributes to the kind of dimensional sweetness and acid complexity that rewards careful brewing.