Tres Cedros

Finca Tres Cedros is a remote, high-altitude coffee farm situated in the Anccocharcas community of the Inkawasi district, within the La Convención province of Cusco, Peru. The farm is named after three prominent native cedar trees that overlook the ravine where the coffee is grown. At elevations ranging between 2,050 and 2,260 meters above sea level, the farm benefits from a distinct microclimate characterized by cool temperatures, mist-covered ravines, and volcanic soils rich in organic matter, which collectively slow cherry maturation and foster significant flavor development.

The farm is operated by the Ibias family, including Albino Ibias Ortega and his sons, Saulo and Ronald Ibias Casa. The family approaches coffee production as a legacy, blending ancestral Cusqueñan agricultural traditions with modern, experimental processing techniques. Their work has gained significant attention from specialty roasters for the exceptional quality and clarity of their harvests, which often feature notes of tropical fruit, jasmine, and stone fruit.

Tres Cedros is most notable for its cultivation of the rare SL-09 coffee variety. Originally identified by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya during the 1930s, SL-09 is uncommon in modern cultivation. Genetic analysis conducted in France has confirmed that the trees at Tres Cedros belong to this specific lineage, placing them in the same genetic group as the highly regarded SL-34. Because of its scarcity and pedigree, the SL-09 grown at Tres Cedros is considered a defining varietal for the region.

Processing at the farm is marked by precision and restraint to highlight the inherent characteristics of the SL-09 cultivar. Standard practices include hand-picking and floating the cherries to ensure density and quality. Depending on the specific lot, the coffee may undergo dry fermentation or fermentation in mucilage for periods ranging from 32 to 48 hours, followed by careful drying on raised beds. This meticulous approach is designed to sharpen the cup's clarity and complexity.

The farm's output remains limited, reflecting its focus on quality over volume. For instance, early production of the SL-09 variety was restricted to approximately half a hectare, yielding small, highly sought-after lots. This scarcity, combined with the farm's remote location and the family's dedication to experimentation, has positioned Tres Cedros as a significant site for Peruvian specialty coffee development.

It is important to distinguish this Peruvian farm from other entities sharing similar names, such as the 'Los Tres Cedros' farm in Honduras, which has appeared in Cup of Excellence competition results. The Tres Cedros in Cusco is a distinct operation defined by its specific focus on the Ibias family's stewardship and the rare SL-09 genetics. As the farm continues to evolve, it remains a focal point for roasters seeking to showcase the potential of high-altitude, genetically unique Peruvian coffee.