What does coffee from Peru taste like?
Coffee from Peru is gentle rather than loud. Expect a soft body, mild acidity and a combination of fruity and floral notes, often with a hint of chocolate. That makes it an easy coffee to drink black, and a good choice if you find some African coffees too bright and some Brazilian coffees too heavy. Each region has its own signature:
| Region | Flavour profile | Location and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco | Complex aromas with fruity notes and a slight sweetness | High-altitude around Machu Picchu, cool mountain climate |
| San Martín | Mild, soft coffees with a creamy texture | Tropical zone with rich flora and stable temperatures |
| Cajamarca | Valley, rich flavour with nuances of chocolate and nuts | Northern highlands with fertile volcanic soil |
Single origin or blend?
Most of the coffees in this category fall into one of two groups. A single origin contains beans from Peru only, so you taste the character of the country and nothing else. A blend combines Peruvian beans with coffee from elsewhere; the Peruvian part adds softness and sweetness, while the other beans bring body or crema. Choose a single origin for filter coffee and for tasting, and a blend if you mainly make espresso or milk drinks.
Our Peruvian coffee brands and beans
- Peru, fresh coffee beans: our own single origin, Arabica only and freshly roasted. The most direct way to taste Peru.
- Single Origins, 7 x 250 g: seven of our fresh single origin coffee beans in one box, so you can taste Peru next to other countries.
- Aurora Mundo: coffee beans from our own range with Peruvian beans in the mix, in a 500 g bag: a smaller amount than the 1 kg bags below if you want to try it first.
- Café Intención: Crema Aromatico and Intensivo in 1 kg bags, and a sample pack of two bags. The brand sources its Arabica from co-operatives in countries such as Honduras and Peru.
- Tchibo Barista Caffè Crema: a 1 kg bag of beans for bean-to-cup machines.
- Segafredo Selezione 100% Arabica and Kimbo Espresso Bar Aroma Gold: Italian espresso coffees in 1 kg bags of beans.
How to brew Peruvian coffee
- Espresso: a medium roast gives a balanced espresso with fruity and chocolatey notes.
- Filter coffee: grind a little coarser than for espresso to bring out the clarity of the flavour.
- French press: use a coarse grind and a brewing time of about 4 minutes for a full, rounded cup.
- Pour-over: the soft acidity and fruit come out well with slow methods such as a Chemex or a Hario V60.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peruvian coffee beans
Is Peru coffee good for espresso?
Yes, if you like a mild espresso: a Peru single origin gives a soft shot with little bitterness. If you want more body and crema, or mainly drink cappuccino, a blend made for espresso such as Kimbo Espresso Bar Aroma Gold is the easier choice.
Which Peruvian coffee should I try first?
For filter coffee or a cup you drink black, start with our Peru single origin. If you want to taste how Peru compares with other countries, the Single Origins box lets you brew them side by side.