Merly Leon, Washed, Peru

Apricot, Raspberry, Cola

Producer: Merly Leon Origin: Callayuq, Peru Varietal: Caturra Elevation: 2250 masl

This washed microlot is sourced from woman producer Merly Leon. Her 12ha farm La Palta is situated in Queromarcaat, at 2,250masl, making it ideal for the production of specialty coffee due to its abundant sunshine and cool temperatures. Along with her sister Ismeria who also operates a farm in the region, she is a member of the Aromas del Co-operative. Merly is driven and inquisitive, constantly seeking to improve quality and producitivity on the farm. This washed lot includes an extended 48 hour anaerobic fermentation before washing.

Merly is 37 years of age, was born in Santa Teresa de Queromarca, a very hardworking and persevering woman always thinking about getting ahead and meeting many goals set at a very young age. Today she has 12 hectares of coffee and gets a good product thanks to the altitude at which her plot is located.

The Region

Queromarca is one of the areas where coffee was produced for the first time in the entire district of Callayuc. Formerly they were producers of corn, potatoes or cattle, Queromarca is located at an elevation above 2000 meters above sea level and has several microclimates ideal for the production of specialty coffees.

The region of Callayuc is one of the districts of the Cutervo province, Cajamarca, in the north of Peru. It is a territory that features a typical tropical jungle with abundant biodiversity and fertile valleys in its centre. Its altitude varies from 690 masl at its lowest point to more than 2,800 masl at its highest point. Its geographical conditions allow the existence of a vast flora and fauna, and local producers cover the agricultural lands of Callayuc with permanent crops and natural forests, especially with coffee.

A few minutes from Callayuc, is the Viluco Waterfall, also known as "bridal veil". This is a beautiful waterfall located in a warm climate that tourists can easily access. On the way to the waterfall, you can appreciate impressive views, characteristic of the northern Peruvian Andes.

Also, in the Callayuc region you will find Cerro Pabellon, which is a mountain peak that exceeds 2200 meters above sea level and is mostly surrounded by forest. This peak is also part of a chain of local mountains, with endemic characteristics and is considered a wildlife refuge. Very close to this peak is the Cordillera del Wissus, also known as Huichus, which has a maximum altitude of 2817 meters above sea level. This mountain range is home to reserve water sources and refuge of important wildlife, varied flora, and intertropical fauna.

The Process

Ripe cherries are floated to further select the densest (highest quality) cherries for processing. The cherries are then fermented for 48 hours, pulped, fermented again for 42 hours, and then washed and dried on raised African beds. Drying takes an average of 17-18 days.

The Aromas del Valle co-operative have been providing training on fermentation in recent seasons as a way to increase cup complexity and the value added to farmers' coffee.

This washed Caturra from Merly Leon in Peru's Callayuq region offers a distinctive profile centered on stone fruit and subtle cola notes. Washed coffees typically emphasize clarity and brightness, allowing the varietal characteristics to shine through—a quality evident in this lot's apricot and raspberry markers. Roasted by Outpost Coffee, this Peru represents a clean, approachable expression of what the region and producer can deliver. The combination of fruit-forward character with cola undertones suggests balanced acidity and body, making it versatile for various brewing methods.