Peru — Amazonas, El Bebedero

Weight: 200g, 100g or 60g Sample

Cultivar: Maragogipe

Producer: Germán Carranza Barboza

Farm: El Bebedero

Elevation: 1,600–1,800 m.a.s.l.

Process: Washed

Tasting Notes: Raspberry · Red Currant · Tamarind

Why This Coffee Matters

Maragogipe is one of coffee's most distinctive cultivars, admired for its extraordinary bean size and elegant cup profile rather than high productivity. At El Bebedero, Germán Carranza Barboza demonstrates how careful farming, high-elevation cultivation, and thoughtful washed processing can unlock the full potential of this rare Typica mutation.

The result is a coffee that balances vibrant red fruit with comforting sweetness and a silky texture, offering a cup that is both expressive and refined. It is a beautiful example of Peru's growing reputation for producing exceptional specialty coffees while showcasing the unique character that has made Maragogipe one of the world's most fascinating cultivars.

Producer Background

Germán Carranza Barboza cultivates coffee at El Bebedero, his family farm in the village of Gracias a Dios, located in Peru's Amazonas region. Situated on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, the farm benefits from high elevation, abundant biodiversity, and a unique microclimate that supports the production of exceptional specialty coffee.

Working alongside his family, Germán has become recognized for his dedication to quality and his exploration of distinctive coffee varieties. His commitment to careful cultivation and selective harvesting allows each lot to express the unique character of both the cultivar and the surrounding landscape.

About the Cultivar

Maragogipe is a natural mutation of the Typica cultivar and is one of the most visually distinctive coffee varieties in the world. Often referred to as the "Elephant Bean" because of its exceptionally large seeds, Maragogipe is prized not for productivity but for its refined cup quality.

Although relatively low yielding and demanding to cultivate, Maragogipe rewards careful farming with an elegant profile characterized by remarkable sweetness, delicate acidity, and exceptional complexity. When grown at high elevations, it develops a clean, expressive cup with refined fruit character and a silky mouthfeel.

About the Process

Washed

The washed process emphasizes clarity and transparency, allowing the coffee's varietal characteristics and terroir to shine.

Only fully ripe cherries are selectively harvested before being pulped and naturally fermented to remove the remaining fruit mucilage. The coffee is then thoroughly washed with clean water and slowly dried under carefully controlled conditions to preserve sweetness, clarity, and stability.

This process highlights:

• Exceptional cleanliness
• Transparent varietal expression
• Bright, balanced acidity
• Defined fruit character
• Elegant sweetness

For Maragogipe, washed processing enhances its delicate structure while allowing its natural sweetness and complexity to remain the focal point.

Terroir

El Bebedero is located in Peru's Amazonas region, where the eastern slopes of the Andes transition into the Amazon rainforest. The combination of high elevation, fertile soils, abundant biodiversity, and a mild mountain climate creates ideal conditions for slow cherry maturation.

These growing conditions contribute to:

• High bean density
• Remarkable sweetness
• Refined acidity
• Excellent cup clarity
• Elegant fruit expression

The unique environment surrounding El Bebedero allows Maragogipe to develop exceptional complexity while maintaining remarkable balance.

Brewing Recommendations

Excellent for:

★★★★★ V60

★★★★★ Origami

★★★★★ Orea

★★★★★ Kalita Wave

★★★★★ April Brewer

★★★★☆ AeroPress

★★★★☆ Espresso

We especially enjoy this coffee as a filter brew, where its clarity, sweetness, and delicate fruit character are most expressive. It also produces a vibrant and nuanced espresso, highlighting its layered sweetness and elegant structure.

Suggested Starting Parameters

Ratio: 1:15–1:17

Water Temperature: 88°C

Grind: Medium-Fine

Drawdown: 2:45–3:15

Water Mineralization: 40–80 ppm