As a devoted each day espresso drinker, I’m all the time looking out for intriguing new beans. Little Waves Espresso Roasters in Durham, North Carolina, has been on my radar since Roast journal named them micro-roaster of the yr in 2022. The Latina-led, women-forward firm emphasizes inclusivity, cultural connection, and sustainability. This extends to the espresso beans they supply, prioritizing long-term relationships with farms and co-ops that create better group influence.

A brand new launch for Little Waves, the Huaynapata is a Peruvian espresso from the Yanatile Valley in Cusco. Sourced by manufacturing group Valle Inca, which works with greater than 260 producers guaranteeing honest wages and providing schooling to farmers to enhance crop high quality, the Huaynapata is a mix of Caturra, Typica, and Bourbon varieties grown between 1,600-2,000 meters. Little Waves roasts the beans to medium, and the ensuing espresso is vibrant with flavors of tart apple and complementary notes of cinnamon, with a tea-like earthiness. Sometimes I drink my espresso with milk, however with a lighter, extra acidic espresso like this, I desire it black with a dollop of honey to emphasise the pure, fruity sweetness. $20.25/12 oz., littlewaves.espresso