Mention Peru and some will think of an exotic destination or a rather adorable, marmalade-loving bear. But Peru has other claims to fame: it has become the ninth-largest Arabica coffee exporter and a leading producer of Organic and Fairtrade coffees.
It is no surprise, then, that it features in my selection for the month of October. Coffee has been part of Peruvian culture since the 1700s, when it was likely introduced from the Caribbean by missionaries, though another school of thought suggests it arrived via Honduras in Central America.
Its path to quality coffee production has not been a smooth one. In the early 20th century, Peru defaulted on a debt to the Bank of England, and large areas of land were transferred to Britain. British and other European entrepreneurs moved in to continue the lucrative coffee-growing market. By the mid-1900s, after the First World War, Peru had paid off its debts, and the government began buying back the land, encouraging small farmers to focus on the production of quality coffee.
Like the history of so many coffee-producing countries, Peru has suffered continual political disruption in our time. This has placed great strain on both its people and its coffee production. Yet despite setbacks, it has triumphed, becoming renowned and sought after for its fine coffees.
Peru Inambari is grown in the Caijamarca region and supplied through a direct relationship with the farmers. Certified Organic and Fairtrade, we roast this coffee dark to enhance its smooth, rich flavour. It makes a perfect after-dinner coffee or a strong breakfast or mid-morning cup, with no trace of bitterness or harshness—just a lovely, full richness on the palate. It is well-suited to all brewing methods, and particularly shines when prepared with filter or pour-over techniques.
You may already be familiar with Peru Inambari and its character. But if this is your first time tasting it, I hope you will enjoy it. I believe it has the potential to become one of the world’s all-time favourites.
Sincerely,
Tony Higgins
