THE FARM: The coffee industry in Indonesia has a 400-year-old history. It began with smuggled seeds from Yemen and early cultivation on the island of Java by Dutch colonists. However, after the leaf rust outbreak, many plantations switched over to the disease-resistant Robusta species. Today, Indonesia is the fourth biggest producer of coffee in the world, and 90% of that volume is grown by smallholder farmers – as opposed to large estates. Coffee is traditionally wet hulled (Giling Basah), which gives Indonesian green coffee beans their distinctive rich, intense flavor profile.

Sulawesi is one of the main islands in Indonesia, where the Dutch East Indies Trading Company introduced coffee in the 1700s. Back then, the island was known by its Dutch colonial name of Celebes, which is why coffee from Sulawesi is sometimes referred to as Celebes coffee. The heart of Sulawesi coffee production is in the highlands of Tana Toraja, where mountain slopes reaching elevations of up to 2000 meters are home to predominately smallholder farmers. The soil is mildly acidic, and temperatures fluctuate greatly between day and night, with a wet and humid microclimate. Much of the coffee is grown wildly, conveniently planted wherever trees can fit and is distinguished by its full-bodied richness and earthiness.

OUR ROAST: This dry, ground coffee from Sulawesi Toraja has a distinctive and enticing aroma, with a combination of sweet and earthy notes that are characteristic of Indonesian coffees. There is a subtle hint of dried fruit, like raisins or plums, that adds a layer of complexity to the aroma. The overall scent is rich and full-bodied, with a hint of spice that lingers in the air. When hot, Sulawesi Toraja has a bold and robust taste with notes of pipe tobacco and elderberry that are complemented by a subtle acidity that brightens the flavor profile. As the cup cools, the taste becomes more complex, with the sweetness of dried plum becoming more prominent and the acidity softening slightly. The overall flavor remains rich and satisfying, with a lingering finish that is both smooth and nuanced.

*** All prices are per pound ***