Merci Fernandez / Peru

This Yellow Geisha does not have the intense, flamboyant character of a classic Panama Geisha, yet it offers a clean and transparent flavor with remarkable clarity. Expect herbal impressions like lemongrass and chamomile, followed by stone fruits, citrus, and subtle tropical fruit nuances. Its understated nature allows the cup to reveal different expressions as it cools, offering depth and elegance.

This coffee is produced at Merci Fernandez’s La Pomarrosa farm. True to its name, the cherries turn yellow when ripe, and the pulp carries a delicate, floral sweetness reminiscent of tropical fruit. During our visit, which coincided with the blooming season, the farm was filled with the sweet aroma of coffee flowers.

We first met Merci during our inaugural visit to Peru in 2024. While we had purchased coffee from her family before, this was the first time we met her in person.

During our time in Peru, we were introduced to many producers through Origin Coffee Lab (OCL). Merci is also a member of OCL, and during our sourcing cuppings, she evaluated coffees with colorful insights from both a producer’s and an exporter’s perspective. Her charm and warmth left a strong impression, making the experience of her coffee even more special.

Merci manages two farms—La Pomarrosa and El Fadenor—primarily cultivating Bourbon. She also grows small amounts of rare varieties like Geisha and SL9. We also purchase coffee from her brother, Yonal Fernandez. The entire Fernandez family is dedicated to coffee production, each managing their own plots while collaborating to create blended lots. Depending on harvest volume, lots are sold either individually or under the family brand “Fernandez Familia.”

Merci is a young producer who grew up watching her parents manage their coffee farm. She studied agricultural sciences while helping on the family farm, combining academic knowledge and hands-on experience to produce sustainable, high-quality coffee. Her farms are 100% organic and emphasize environmentally conscious practices.

When asked what coffee means to her, she replied: “Coffee is a world full of opportunities and constant innovation.”