From the high mountains of Peru's Cajamarca region comes a coffee that rewards patience and attention. Kaldi's Coffee sources this washed Peruvian offering from Rutas del Inca, a young cooperative working at elevations between 1,700 and 2,400 meters—some of the highest coffee-growing land in the country. The cool, consistent climate of the Querocoto District allows for slow, even drying, and the result is a cup with remarkable clarity and sweetness.
This year's harvest delivers the crisp apple and honey notes that make Peru Rutas del Inca a perennial favorite. It's a coffee that reveals something new with each cup—subtle layers that unfold as the coffee cools, a sweetness that lingers long after the last sip.
Tasting Notes
Expect bright acidity balanced by a honey-like sweetness, with clear notes of crisp apple and a delicate floral undertone. The body is medium and silky, never heavy, with a clean finish that invites another sip. There's a gentle complexity here—this isn't a coffee that shouts, but one that whispers its intentions and rewards careful attention. As the cup cools, subtle stone fruit notes emerge alongside the apple, adding depth without muddying the profile.
Brew Methods
This coffee shines brightest in pour-over methods—Chemex, V60, or Kalita Wave—where its clarity and crisp acidity can take center stage. A medium grind and water just off boil (around 200°F) will highlight the apple and honey notes without over-extracting bitterness. It also performs beautifully in a French press at a coarser grind, where the fuller body brings out more of the honey sweetness. While not traditionally an espresso coffee, adventurous home baristas will find it pulls a bright, sweet shot that works well in milk drinks. Avoid over-roasting or over-extracting—this coffee's charm is in its delicate balance.
About the Roaster
Kaldi's Coffee, based in St. Louis, has built a reputation for sourcing exceptional single origins and roasting them with precision and care. Their relationship with Rutas del Inca goes back years, and this Peruvian offering plays a key role in several of their signature blends—though it's equally deserving of solo attention.
About the Cooperative
Rutas del Inca was founded in 2013 with just 33 members and has grown to 258 farmers across 27 communities. The cooperative is organic-certified and operates in one of Peru's most challenging—and rewarding—coffee-growing environments. Fully surrounded by mountain ranges, the Querocoto District offers a microclimate unlike anywhere else in the country. The farmers here grow Caturra, Typica, Catimor, Bourbon, and Catuai varieties, all processed using traditional washed methods that emphasize clean, vibrant flavors.
Clive's coffee team is always available to help you dial in grinder settings or recommend brewing equipment that will make the most of this exceptional Peruvian coffee.