Indonesian Sumatra FT Org Mandheling Gr. 1 – IKA Gayo Highlands – Wet-hulled

Burman Coffee Traders

Details

Origin

Indonesia

Process

Wet-Hulled

Roast Suitability

Description

Aceh (pronounced AH-CHEY) is the northernmost province of Sumatra. Its highland territory, surrounding Lake Tawar and the central city of Takengon, is considered to be the epicenter of one of the world’s most unique coffee terroirs. Coffee farms in this area are managed with the experience of many generations of cultivation, while also harmoniously woven into their surrounding tropical forests. The canopies are loud and fields are almost impenetrably thick with coffee plants, fruit trees, and vegetables, all of which are constantly flushing with new growth. Year-round mists and rain showers never cease, farm floors are spongy and deep with layered biomass, and almost every square meter of the region seems to exude life. Tasting Notes: A clean and traditional Sumatra cup, heavy bodied with low acidity best at fuller roast levels. Like almost all Indonesian coffees, light roasts are not recommended: the earthy and spicy notes stay undeveloped and the body feels flat. At a strong medium roast the earthy chocolate and incense like spice really starts to pop out, a subtle hint of crispness can be found and the cup remains smooth and a little sweeter; a good point for pour-over or drip. At a darker roast it turns much fuller bodied and stronger, smoky and bittersweet cocoa notes, spice lingering in the aftertaste, and almost no acidity; great for dark roast fans, espresso, or as a blend base. Roasting Notes: The wet-hulled processing leaves little chaff, which makes it easier to roast than many other origins. Avoid very light roasts, they do not do this profile justice. For a medium roast, a slightly longer development rounds the edges and brings out the best of the balance between spice and chocolate; aim to finish just after first crack. For a dark roast, take it toward the start or into second crack to build up body, smokiness, and bittersweet cocoa while keeping acidity to a minimum. Overall, a medium to dark roast is what suits this Sumatra best. Tradition runs deep