Brett H wrote:
And you know what... I've never had it! Yep, that's right... never had it. Other than the Andy F's shop is there anywhere I can get this? Not too worried if I can't but if everyone is raving I too want to dance like it's 1999!
Brett, don't stress you are not missing out on anything extraordinary. I can think of many other coffees that would be on my bucket list. Perhaps with this bean, it could be a case of urban legends growing legs. Most of the southern Americicans are very easy to roast and at the same time produce unbelievably consistent roast depth and color. For this very reason they are well regarded by those new to roasting and perhaps this helps fan the fire of intense affection, albeit infatuation. In general terms, Peru beans are quite mild and somewhat one dimensional in character being primarily used as blenders given the relatively high ratio of Organic - they provide an economic filler for certified coffees. Yes, they develop plenty of choc and reasonable body which for most people will completely satisfy their personal requirements. I have a few customers who own cafes who are lovely people from Peru. They tell me stories of proud Peruvian coffee farmers who like many at origin are very poor and take immense pride in their crop. For many years the Italian coffee buyers would swoop up vast quantities at low prices. Just like Mexico, they needed a way to secure improved pricing and Organic certified is one positive channel to help Peruvian coffee farmers. Another interesting stat about Peru is that a good percentage of the crop are farmed and processed by women.
