Description

Sumatra Abyssinia Tasting Notes

This exquisite coffee is rich and intricate, offering a captivating profile defined by earthy undertones and herbal nuances. The cup presents warming layers of cacao nibs and seasonal spices, complemented by flavors reminiscent of cola nut. Alongside these, subtle hints of peat add depth, creating a uniquely complex experience.

About The Producer

Nestled in the highlands of Aceh Province, Bener Meriah regency showcases the region's unique wet-hulled process, but in a much more deliberate manner. This estate operates differently from the traditional smallholder farms that have come to define wet-hulled coffees, in that the estate exhibits precise control over the varieties grown there as well as harvesting and post-harvest processing. As a result, this lot stands out in its superior sweetness and balanced cup profile while maintaining the unique flavors and characteristics of traditional wet-hulled coffees.

The coffee is grown in Aceh Province- the northernmost region of Sumatra, which is acclaimed for its exceptional coffee terroir, particularly around Lake Tawar and the city of Takengon. The highland terrain benefits from generations of cultivation wisdom, seamlessly integrating coffee farms into the vibrant tropical ecosystems. The dense canopies which shade the coffee resonate with life, while the farm floors are rich with layered, nutrient recycling, biomass, creating a thriving environment for coffee plants, fruit trees, and vegetables. These conditions facilitate year-round coffee ripening, ensuring a continuous interplay of growth and vitality.

Founded in 2015 by Enzo Sauqi Hutabarat, Central Sumatra Coffee (CSC) is a young company driven by innovative leadership. Initially focused on the domestic market, CSC began exporting its premium coffees in 2021, reaching markets in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and, as of 2024, the United States. While CSC purchases cherries from smallholders like conventional processors, it also operates three large estates, including the one that produced this coffee-Bener Meriah. 

The estate primarily cultivates the "abyssinia" cultivar, a unique arabica lineage with origins tracing back to Ethiopia and then to 1920’s Java. This cultivar thrives in the region's climate and is distinguished by its narrow, elongated bean shape.

The wet-hulled processing method employed at the Bener Meriah estate is meticulously managed by a skilled team. During harvest season, thirty pickers select the ripe cherries, which are then sorted for uniformity. After collection, the cherries are depulped and left to ferment for 12 hours in open tanks. Following fermentation, the coffee is washed and soaked before being sun-dried to a touch. Adhering to the traditional wet-hulling technique, the clean parchment is mechanically hulled, leaving the soft, high-moisture beans to dry on expansive patios and tarpaulins until reaching an optimal moisture content of 12-13%. This careful processing ensures that each cup of Central Sumatra Coffee delivers the region's rich and vibrant flavors with a unique clarity and brightness.

How To Brew 

We recommend brewing this coffee with a 1:15 brew ratio utilizing 205°F

Producers
Bener Meriah Estate

Varieties
Abyssinia, Typica

Processing Method
Wet-Hulled

Altitude
4300–4600'

Roast
Medium