Sumatra Mandheling Grade 1

Region: Sumatra, Takengon, Aceh
Varietal: Gayo 1, Gayo 2
Process: Wet-Hulled (Giling Basah)
Altitude: 1600 M
Grade: 1
Certification: Direct Trade
Cupping Notes: Brown Sugar, Caramel, Clove, Nutmeg, Spiced Citrus

Description: The Gayo Highland is an area on a ridge of the Bukit Barisan mountain range that runs along the island of Sumatra. The Gayo highlands are also known for Lake Laut Tawar, which is surrounded by thousands of hectares of coffee and pine trees. Coffee in Gayo is usually grown by individual farmers with an average land holding of just 2 hectares. 

The soil, landscape and climate of the area contribute to various rich characteristics in the cup such as heavy body and complex sweetness. The mountainous land of the Gayo region is ideal for organic soil due to nutrient-rich ash deposited from volcanoes along the island. 

What truly sets this coffee apart is the unique processing method found in Indonesian coffee growing regions, imparting the signature flavor profile that is commonly expected from this part of the world. The wet-hulled (aka “giling Basah”) coffee is processed similar to a washed process in that cherries are de-pulped and washed. After de-pulping, parchment coffee is dried about halfway to approximately 30-35% humidity before being “wet-hulled.” The parchment is removed while the beans still have that 30% moisture content which enables the been to dry quicker in the wet and humid climate of Indonesia.