Nueva Alianza Yellow Gesha #4730 – The “Champagne” of the Andes

For the XLIII Coffee community, Dwight Aguilar Masías needs no introduction. Our journey with him began in 2023, and with every passing harvest, this relationship has evolved from a Direct Trade agreement into a shared vision of perfection. Dwight is not just a farmer; he is a titan of Peruvian coffee history – the first producer in Peru to win the prestigious Cup of Excellence (CoE) twice. This rare accolade cements his status as an undisputed leader in the industry.

The story of Dwight and Nueva Alianza is a masterclass in Resilience. Rising from family land retained after Peru’s tumultuous agrarian reforms, Dwight faced severe economic hardships and natural disasters. Yet, instead of retreating, he rooted himself deeper into the soil. He honed his craft through meticulous observation, iron discipline, and absolute respect for nature. This quiet determination transformed Nueva Alianza from a modest farm into the absolute benchmark for Peruvian specialty coffee.

This return of the Yellow Gesha #4730 takes us back to the sacred grounds of Santa Teresa, La Convención, Cusco. Situated at 1,820 meters above sea level, this region sits at a magical ecological intersection: the humid, heavy breath of the Amazon rainforest meeting the crisp, mineral-rich air of the Andes Mountains.

This unique geography creates a microclimate with significant diurnal temperature shifts. Here, the coffee trees are forced to slow their metabolism, allowing the beans to “breathe” and accumulate minerals, developing a refined aromatic depth. It is this land, tended by the hands of a champion, that has birthed the ethereal floral notes we are about to explore.

If the Red Gesha is often compared to a bold, voluptuous figure defined by deep fruit and heavy sweetness, the Yellow Gesha is the elegant, ethereal muse. At Nueva Alianza, the difference lies not just in the color of the cherry skin, but in how the variety interacts with light and soil to construct a uniquely delicate flavor architecture.

The “Purification” of Sunlight As the 2025 harvest arrived, the Yellow Gesha cherries on the slopes of Santa Teresa turned a brilliant gold under the sun. This yellow pigmentation is crucial; it reflects sunlight more intensely than red skin, protecting the seed inside from heat stress. This natural shielding preserves the bright organic acids and the most sensitive floral compounds.

Dwight Aguilar, with his champion’s intuition, understands this biology implicitly. He does not force the Yellow Gesha to yield heavy body or sugar density. Instead, he cultivates it to honor Transparency and Delicacy – qualities often considered the hardest to achieve in coffee.

The “Champagne” Sensation

The defining characteristic of this specific lot, #4730, is its “Champagne-like” quality. This is not a random tasting note; it is the perfect resonance between the variety, the altitude, and the Washed process.

The Washed method acts as a pristine lens, stripping away the fruit mucilage to expose the naked bean to a controlled fermentation. Without the noise of heavy fruit fermentation, the flavor profile becomes incredibly sharp and crystalline.

Drinking Yellow Gesha #4730 feels akin to sipping a vintage Champagne:

• Acidity: It is described as “Vibrant.” It isn’t sour; it is sparkling and effervescent on the tongue, awakening the palate with immediate energy.
• Mouthfeel: Rather than heavy, it is “Transparent & Delicate,” floating weightlessly across the palate while delivering an intense aromatic payload.

This combination turns Nueva Alianza Yellow Gesha #4730 into a shimmering orb of flavor, where Orange Blossom and Jasmine bloom upon a foundation of absolute cleanliness.

The 2025 harvest of Yellow Gesha #4730 is not just a beverage; it is a performance that evolves with temperature, layered and sophisticated like a chamber symphony.

The White Garden (Hot)…

As hot water meets the grounds, the air is filled with the pristine aroma of Orange Blossom and Jasmine. This first layer is radiant and heady but never aggressive, evoking the white-petaled mornings of the Cusco highlands. Hidden behind the florals is a soft, gentle sweetness of Peach, acting as a plush foundation that supports the entire structure, offering a round and welcoming start.

Settling Honey (Warm)…

As the coffee cools to a warm temperature, the melody deepens. The fruit sweetness concentrates, transforming into notes of Honeysuckle. This is a nectar-like sweetness that remains clean, never cloying, creating a sense of warmth and relaxation. The body becomes more defined – smooth and Delicate – like silk gliding over the palate.

Crystalline Sparkle (Cold)…

The true magic happens when the coffee cools completely. The “star” of the show emerges: Passion Fruit. This sharp, tropical zest explodes, combining with the vibrant acidity to create a “Sparkling” effect, mimicking the effervescence of fine Champagne. The finish is shockingly clean and transparent, leaving a lingering echo of jasmine and an endless, refreshing clarity.

The return of Nueva Alianza Yellow Gesha #4730 confirms not only a standard of flavor but also XLIII Coffee’s enduring commitment to authentic value.

This is not commercial coffee. Lot #4730 is classified as Competition Grade – beans of superior genetic and processing quality, typically reserved for international barista championships or the most discerning connoisseurs.

Our Direct Trade relationship with Dwight Aguilar Masías allows us to be fully transparent. We paid a Free On Board (FOB) price of $3,803.28 per 69kg bag. While this is significantly higher than the market rate, it is entirely justified. It represents our respect for a champion’s labor and provides the resources for Nueva Alianza to maintain rigorous farming standards and reinvest in their community.

Roasting To preserve the “Champagne” character and the fragile floral aromatics, XLIII Coffee utilizes an Extremely-light Roast profile. This technique demands absolute precision to ensure the bean is fully developed without introducing roast or smoke notes. Our sole goal is to let the Terroir and the Variety speak their honest truth.

Nueva Alianza Yellow Gesha #4730 (Harvest 2025) is proof that true class is not found in fleeting flashes of brilliance, but in the steadfast maintenance and elevation of quality over years.

From the precarious slopes where the Andes touch the Amazon, through the resilient spirit of champion Dwight Aguilar Masías, these beans have absorbed the essence of the elements to become the Champagne of the mountains. With its transparent structure, ethereal white florals, and sparkling acidity, this is a true “Competition” experience for those seeking the pinnacle of refinement.

We invite you to XLIII Coffee to raise a cup and taste the golden light of Cusco.

1. What is the difference between Yellow Gesha and Red Gesha?

While both are the same Gesha variety, the yellow-skinned and red-skinned mutations offer different experiences. Red Gesha typically leans toward deep sweetness, heavy body, and ripe red fruit. In contrast, Yellow Gesha at Nueva Alianza is defined by elegance, a delicate body, distinct floral aromatics, and a brighter acidity, creating a more ethereal experience.

2. Why is this coffee compared to “Champagne”?

The term “Champagne” describes the mouthfeel and acidity. Lot #4730 possesses a vibrant, sharp acidity that creates a “sparkling” or effervescent sensation on the tongue – similar to sparkling wine – combined with a clean, luxurious structure. (Note: It does not contain alcohol).

3. How long has XLIII Coffee worked with Dwight Aguilar Masías?

XLIII Coffee began our Direct Trade relationship with Dwight in 2023. This is our third consecutive year partnering with him, affirming a sustainable bond and our absolute trust in the quality of the Nueva Alianza farm.

4. What does the price of $3,803.28 per bag reflect?

This price reflects a Competition Grade lot – the highest tier of specialty coffee. It covers the meticulous production costs, the risks of high-altitude farming, and, most importantly, provides fair compensation for the talent and effort of a two-time Cup of Excellence winner.

5. Does an Ultra-light Roast make the coffee taste sour?

No. Extremely-light roasting is designed to highlight the natural fruit acidity and floral notes inherent in high-quality beans. It allows the drinker to taste the fresh, vibrant character of Santa Teresa, rather than the bitterness or roast flavors associated with darker profiles.