El Chicuate tells the story of Cajamarca, Peru—a region where legend and terroir converge. Named after a village that vanished beneath an earthquake centuries ago, this coffee comes from 50 smallholder farms surrounding the lake that now fills that ancient valley. Portland's Coava Coffee Roasters sources these lots for their expressive clarity and the region's exceptional growing conditions: high altitude, distinct microclimates, and rich biodiversity that defines Peru's northern highlands.
Available in both drip and espresso roast profiles, El Chicuate adapts beautifully to your brewing preference while maintaining its signature sweetness and balance.
Tasting Notes
This is a comforting, approachable cup with serious depth. Expect round, sweet notes of brownie batter, dried cherry, and roasted hazelnut—the kind of flavor profile that works equally well as your morning ritual or an after-dinner treat. The body is medium and silky, with a gentle acidity that supports rather than dominates. The finish lingers with subtle chocolate and stone fruit, inviting another sip.
It's the coffee equivalent of a well-worn favorite: familiar, reliable, and endlessly satisfying.
Brew Methods
The drip roast shines in pour over methods (V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave) where its clarity and sweetness can fully develop. It also performs beautifully in automatic drip brewers and makes an exceptionally smooth French press.
The espresso roast is developed specifically for pressure brewing—pull it as straight espresso for a syrupy, nutty shot, or use it as the foundation for milk drinks where those brownie and cherry notes add complexity without bitterness.
About Coava Coffee Roasters
Coava has been a cornerstone of Portland's specialty coffee scene since 2008, known for meticulous sourcing and precision roasting that highlights each coffee's inherent character. Their commitment to transparency and quality has made them one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected roasters.
Our team at Clive can help you dial in grinder settings and recommend equipment pairings to get the most from this versatile Peruvian offering.