Indonesia

Indonesia – Bold, Spicy, and Full of History

Indonesia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, consistently ranking among the top five. Its rich volcanic landscapes, tropical climate, and centuries-old cultivation methods have made it a powerhouse in the global coffee industry. Coffee growing in Indonesia began during colonial times around 1696, when Dutch settlers recognised that the region’s fertile soil and ideal climate could produce exceptional coffee. Over 300 years later, Indonesia remains famous for beans with low acidity, a high-bodied profile, and a deep, earthy complexity unlike any other origin.

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From Lake Toba’s Volcanic Shores

Our Indonesian coffee comes from the area surrounding Lake Toba in North Sumatra—a region with breathtaking scenery and ideal growing conditions. Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed thousands of years ago in the caldera of a massive supervolcano. The fertile volcanic soil around its shores is rich in minerals, providing coffee plants with all they need to thrive.

The coffee here is grown at high altitudes, where cooler temperatures slow the ripening process. This extended maturation allows sugars and flavour compounds to develop fully, resulting in beans with complexity and depth.

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Varieties and Farming Practices

The coffee varieties grown in this region are Catimor and Typica—both respected Arabica cultivars. Typica is one of the oldest and most traditional coffee varieties, valued for its smooth body and subtle sweetness, while Catimor adds resilience and a distinctive flavour dimension. Together, they produce a cup that is rich, full-bodied, and layered.

Farms in this part of Indonesia are often smallholder plots, worked by families who have cultivated coffee for generations. The care and attention to detail in planting, tending, and harvesting ensure that every bean meets high-quality standards.

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The Giling Basah Process

One of Indonesia’s most distinctive contributions to the coffee world is its traditional Giling Basah (wet-hulling) processing method. This unique technique involves hulling the coffee parchment when the beans still retain a higher-than-usual moisture content—typically around 30–35%.

The result is a bean with a deep greenish-blue hue before roasting and, more importantly, a cup profile with huge body, low acidity, and earthy, spicy notes. This processing method is key to the unmistakable flavour that coffee lovers around the world associate with Sumatra and other Indonesian origins.

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Flavour Profile

Brewed, this coffee delivers a huge body with a spicy aroma and hints of tobacco—hallmarks of the Lake Toba region. The first sip reveals deep, earthy undertones, followed by warming spice and a subtle smokiness. The low acidity makes it smooth and easy-drinking, while the full body provides satisfying weight and presence in the cup.

This is a coffee that is bold without being harsh—perfect for those who enjoy richness and complexity over brightness and fruitiness.

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Roasting for Depth

We roast our Indonesian coffee to a medium-dark level, bringing out its natural depth while preserving its distinctive spice notes. This roast level enhances the chocolatey base and the earthy complexity without introducing bitterness, resulting in a cup that is balanced, rich, and deeply satisfying.

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Brewing Recommendations

• Espresso – Intense, syrupy, and complex with spice and tobacco notes.

• French Press – Amplifies the heavy body and earthy undertones.

• Pour-over – Produces a slightly cleaner cup while retaining the signature depth.

This coffee is also excellent with milk, creating a smooth, mocha-like drink where the spice and tobacco nuances shine through.

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Why We Love Indonesia

Indonesia’s coffee is as much about heritage as it is about flavour. From the volcanic soils of Lake Toba to the unique Giling Basah process, every step is a reflection of the country’s history and identity. Choosing this coffee means enjoying not just a bold and flavourful cup, but also a connection to a tradition that has been carefully preserved for centuries.

For those who crave a coffee with substance, spice, and story, our Indonesian offering delivers on every front.