Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062 & Bourbon #5063 Return With Captivating Flavors

Located in the San Jose de Alto district of Cajamarca, Finca La Palestina benefits from ideal natural conditions for cultivating specialty coffee – ranging from elevations of 1,700 to 1,900 meters, a cool climate averaging 18–24°C, and steady rainfall. This creates the perfect environment for high-quality coffee varieties to thrive. The farm has been lovingly nurtured by the Alarcón Coronel family for over 70 years, with a relentless focus on quality and deep-rooted passion for coffee cultivation.

Beyond producing exceptional coffees, Finca La Palestina is also known for its steadfast commitment to sustainable development. The farm has undergone a comprehensive transformation in its cultivation methods – reducing environmental impact and actively intercropping with native plant species to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In 2023, XLIII Coffee proudly began its direct trade partnership with Finca La Palestina. This collaboration is grounded in shared values: a dedication to elevating specialty coffee quality, protecting the environment, supporting sustainable farming practices, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

Through this partnership, XLIII Coffee is able to source and deliver exceptional, transparently sourced coffees to customers, while Finca La Palestina continues to strengthen its position as a producer of high-caliber specialty coffee – upholding rigorous standards and pushing forward a sustainable future for the industry.

Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062 and Bourbon #5063 have officially returned this special month, introducing refreshed and distinctive flavor profiles. Their comeback is not only a celebration of the new harvest, but also a reflection of the enduring dedication at the farm and the long-standing partnership between XLIII Coffee and Finca La Palestina.

So, what sets these two exquisite lots from Cajamarca apart this time?

Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062

In this new release, Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062 delivers a subtly evolved flavor experience compared to previous harvests – featuring refined jasmine florals, bright citrus notes, and the signature elegance of Earl Grey tea.

These distinctive flavors are the result of the unique attributes of the legendary Gesha variety, paired with the high-altitude climate and mineral-rich soil of Cajamarca. Together, they ensure an exceptional level of consistency and expressiveness – highlighting the clear identity of the variety, terroir, and farming expertise.

Notably, the price paid to the producer for this lot is lower than previous years. This shift stems from the impact of climate change and crop disease, which affected both the yield and overall quality across the region, ultimately leading to reduced market prices.

Despite these challenges, the quality of the coffee has remained stable, thanks to Finca La Palestina’s deep-rooted knowledge and sustainable farming practices.

Moreover, the resilient, value-driven partnership between XLIII Coffee and Finca La Palestina, which goes far beyond a simple business transaction, has enabled us to continue purchasing this coffee at a fair rate. This ensures support for the farm while also delivering better value to our customers.

Finca La Palestina Bourbon #5063

The second gem from South America, Finca La Palestina Bourbon #5063, also returns with a vibrant new flavor profile, showcasing bold and memorable notes of blackcurrant, hibiscus florals, and a lingering sweet cherry finish. This lot exemplifies the full potential of the Bourbon variety when grown at ideal elevations.

Similar to Gesha #5062, the producer price for Bourbon #5063 is also lower this year, again due to climate-related difficulties and disease outbreaks that disrupted farming conditions. Yet, Finca La Palestina has managed to preserve its high quality throughout the harvest – demonstrating its unwavering commitment to consistency, a core value of the farm.

Once again, the close, transparent, and sustainable relationship between XLIII Coffee and Finca La Palestina plays a crucial role in securing top-quality coffees at fair prices. It also helps the farm thrive in the long run while offering our customers exceptional specialty coffee experiences that truly stand out.

The comeback of Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062 and Bourbon #5063 is more than just the reappearance of two outstanding specialty coffee lots – it is a vivid testament to the Alarcón Coronel family’s over 70-year journey of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to quality and sustainable coffee cultivation.

This season, both coffees showcase evolved and refreshing flavor profiles compared to previous lots, shaped by subtle shifts in weather, terroir, and meticulous care during cultivation. These nuanced changes offer a unique and authentic tasting experience that tells a deeper story behind every bean – one rooted in nature, craftsmanship, and resilience.

What makes this release even more remarkable is the extremely light roast profile curated by XLIII Coffee, designed to preserve the beans’ intrinsic flavors. This roasting approach allows coffee lovers to fully experience the intricate layers of aroma and the natural expressions of varietal, origin, and the farmer’s skill and effort embedded in each harvest.

Choosing to enjoy these coffees means more than just savoring a great cup – it’s an act of support for transparent sourcing, responsible farming, and the preservation of sustainable values that Finca La Palestina and XLIII Coffee are jointly committed to protecting for the future of specialty coffee.

Ultimately, XLIII Coffee’s decision to feature Finca La Palestina once again in this month of gratitude goes beyond trust in the farm’s exceptional quality. It is also a tribute to the shared mission of sustainability. This release is a meaningful gesture of appreciation to our valued customers – offering not only the finest beans, but also a way to honor the farmers whose hard work nurtures both the environment and their communities.

Images curated by XLIII Coffee.

1. What makes Finca La Palestina one of the most highly regarded farms in Peru?

Finca La Palestina is recognized for its consistent high-quality specialty coffee, backed by over 70 years of cultivation by the Alarcón Coronel family. The farm’s strong commitment to sustainability – leveraging the ideal natural conditions of Cajamarca and implementing practices like reforestation, biodiversity protection, and transparent supply chains – has earned it multiple Cup of Excellence awards and long-term partnerships with esteemed roasters worldwide.

2. How does climate change affect coffee quality and yield at Finca La Palestina?

Climate fluctuations can lead to lower yields in certain harvests and affect bean quality if cultivation, harvesting, and processing are not done at optimal times. However, thanks to the extensive experience and adaptability of the Alarcón Coronel family – combined with responsible farming practices, soil regeneration, and the use of disease-resistant varieties – the farm has maintained consistently high quality. This is evident in the impressive return of Gesha #5062 and Bourbon #5063 this year.

3. What processing method is used for Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062 and Bourbon #5063?

Both lots are processed using the washed method, where the coffee cherries are depulped, fermented, and thoroughly washed to remove the mucilage. This method highlights the coffees’ clarity, brightness, and elegance while preserving the purity of each variety’s expression and the unique characteristics of the terroir.

4. What are the standout flavor notes of Gesha #5062 and Bourbon #5063?

• Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062: Delivers delicate jasmine, citrus, and Earl Grey tea notes. Light-bodied and refined, it offers a long, sweet finish – an archetype of the Gesha profile when grown at high altitudes in cool climates.
• Finca La Palestina Bourbon #5063: Bursting with blackcurrant, hibiscus, and ripe cherry notes. This cup features a full, round body with rich sweetness and depth – perfect for those who appreciate a bolder coffee experience.

5. Are these coffees suitable for people new to specialty coffee?

Absolutely. Both Finca La Palestina Gesha #5062 and Bourbon #5063 are excellent choices for newcomers to specialty coffee thanks to their approachable flavor profiles. Lightly roasted by XLIII Coffee, they retain their original, unmasked characteristics, providing a clear and authentic tasting experience, ideal for exploring the distinctions between varieties and origins in the world of specialty coffee.