The Marshell varietal at the heart of this lot has a fascinating and somewhat mysterious origin story. Discovered in 2016 by Grimanes Morales Lizana, a coffee farmer in the municipality of San Ignacio, Peru, the Marshell tree looked distinctly different from other varieties cultivated in the area. The name was created using letters from the names and surnames of the family members of the woman producer who found it, honouring her father-in-law Marcelino. It is believed that the coffee is the result of a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety.
Marshell first captured international attention when it won the 2019 Cup of Excellence Peru, achieving a cupping score of 92.28 for Lizana's washed lot from her farm La Lucuma. In 1997 she had discovered the new variety but did not initially pay much attention to it. Then in 2011, her whole plantation was attacked by a disease commonly called "Ojo de pollo" and only this new variety survived, proving itself resistant. That resilience, combined with its exceptional cup quality, sparked widespread interest among Peruvian producers.
The potential for Marshell is immense because the flavour profiles score high in the cup while also being a tough varietal that can withstand the many diseases that plague coffee production. Known for its robustness, high yield, and impressive cup quality, the Marshell varietal thrives in the northern Peruvian regions, where it performs exceptionally well under local growing conditions. Producers in Cajamarca feel it is particularly suited to the area's microclimate and terroir.
Nima's lot is washed processed. Cherries are carefully picked at peak ripeness, depulped, and fermented before being washed and dried. The family has just invested in brand new raised drying beds, a significant commitment for a farm of their scale, but one that reflects their dedication to quality over quantity.
- Country: Peru
- Region: La Coipa, San Ignacio, Cajamarca
- Producer: Nima Juarez
- Farm: El Roble
- Farm Size: 3 hectares
- Variety: Marshell (natural Bourbon mutation, 2019 Cup of Excellence Peru winner)
- Process: Washed
- Drying: Raised beds
- Altitude: 1,720 m.a.s.l.
- Producer Group: Gallitos de las Rocas
- Partner: Origin Coffee Lab (Solidario program)
