White Horse Coffee & Tea Company
Far East, Indonesia and Pacific
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Coffees from these regions are classics, especially Indonesian. They tend to be rich, full-bodied, smooth, and soft on the acid. Java has been a traditional favorite, but the islands of Sumatra, Sulawesi (Celebes), and Timor produce beans that are just as good. Many coffeehouses will stock Java just to have Java, regardless of the quality. We have now found a Java that is worthwhile to have on the list - see below.
INDIA
MONSOON MALABAR: Aside from Ethiopia and Arabia, India is one
of the oldest coffee producing regions. Monsooned coffees are exposed to the monsoon winds
for many weeks. This process lightens or yellows the color of the raw beans and they
appear blanched. The process also mellows the coffee, lowering the acidity, and adds
richness and smoothness reminiscent of aged coffees. Our Monsoon Malabar has a hint of
sweetness and spice to it. It makes an excellent cup of coffee.
JAVA BLAWAN ESTATE: Over the past few years, coffee from Java, has been improving
nicely. We have sold out of the Kayumas Estate. However, the Blawan Estate we have found
is just as incredible as the Kayumas and is worthy of the historical praise that Java
coffee has received. It is rich, full-bodied, smooth, and has a gentle lingering
finish. For those Java drinkers who switched over to Sulawesi or Sumatra to find
decent Indonesian flavor, your Java is back.
NEW GUINEA KIMEL ESTATE: Papua New Guinea is just north of Australia and west of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. Over the past two years, New Guinea's coffee crops have turned out well. I love this coffee. It is very similar to the Gumanch, of which we just sold out, although it has more of a wine character to it - like a fine Petite Syrah. It is well balanced, clean, lively, rich and very enjoyable. Acidity is mild to moderate.
NEW GUINEA ORGANIC: Another incredible coffee from New Guinea. It is smooth and rich and puts a smile on the coffee lover's face. It is certified organic. Our supply is very limited.
SULAWESI TORAJA: The island of
Sulawesi (previously known by its Dutch colonial name of Celebes) lies in the middle of
the Malay Archipelago, next to Borneo. Toraja (formerly Kalossi) is the central
mountainous region of the island. Coffee from this island has many devoted and loyal
followers. It is truly a soothing beverage – a much-needed tool in facing the trials
and tribulations of the day. In the cup, it is rich with moderate complexity, well
balanced and medium to soft acidity. It is similar to Sumatra but somewhat richer and
softer.
SUMATRA BLUE LINTONG: This is a large bean coffee with an exquisite nose. It is quickly becoming a favorite around the roastery. It is soft, like a Mandheling, but somewhat fruitier and more complex.
SUMATRA MANDHELING (GRADE 1): Sumatra is a large island in Indonesia northwest of Java. Mandheling is grown in the mountains close to the city of Padang, on the west side of the island. Sumatra Mandheling is a classic. In the cup it is rich, full bodied, well-balanced and low to moderate in acid. It is a favorite among many who like their coffee dark roasted. It is similar to Sulawesi, but a little livelier. Dry processing adds to the complexity in flavor.
SUMATRA GAYOLAND ORGANIC: This classic Sumatra organic is a cut above. Rich and complex like our Mandheling, but more refined and not as earthy. It is full-bodied and has a soft, lingering finish.
TIMOR ORGANIC MAUBESSE: Timor is an island between Sulawesi and Australia. Recently, East Timor has been fighting for its independence from Indonesia, which invaded in 1975, a year after the Portuguese abandoned the island. In its struggle for independence, it has been striving for economic viability. The production of coffee has aided in this quest. Luckily for the island, and for us, coffee from Timor has improved tremendously and is now very high in quality. Maubesse is certified organic. It is similar to Sulawesi and Sumatra, but a little earthier. In the cup, Timor is medium to full-bodied, rich, moderate complexity, and nutty. It is low to medium in acid, well rounded, and with a clean finish. It also has a very pleasant aroma. This is a cup truly worth trying and enjoying. A good site to learn more about East Timor - (www.easttimor.com). We are very low on Timor at this time. New shipments will come late Summer.
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Last modified: March 30, 2008All images and contents of this website and associated webpages are copyright protected. Website design and maintenance by David MacDonald. Special Thanks to Leonard Young of Hula Moon Glass for his technical assistance and friendship.