More About Indonesia – Kerinci – Barokah Bersama
Origin and farm
- Isolated on a plateau at the foot of Mount Kerinci, the highest point on Sumatra, the coffee plantations grow on volcanic, fertile soil.
- The Koerintji Barokah Bersama Cooperative consists of about 250–320 members who collaborate on quality and sustainability.
- The cooperative has only existed since mid-2017, and manages a roastery with a cupping lab next to the central mill.
- Many farms are small (0.5–2.5 ha) and combine coffee with vegetables and fruit to support family life.
- Family members manually pick the berries; afterwards, work is done through nine local UPH collection centers under the supervision of Triyono.
Roast profile
- At Koffiestation, this coffee is roasted as 'not too light,' keeping aromas rich and acidity low.
- Other providers typically describe a medium to light-medium roast that highlights fruity notes.
- Medium-light roasts bring out citrus, floral aromas, milk chocolate, and apple hints.
- The combination of roast and terroir results in a full body with balanced sweetness.
- The roast supports compatibility with filter, espresso, and fully automatic machines.
Flavor and aroma
- The aroma is perfumed with dark spices, roasted almond, and dark chocolate.
- It also evokes vanilla, brown sugar (molasses), tangerine zest, and warm nuts.
- The taste shows spiciness, complexity, and a juicy honey-sweet fruitiness with a full body.
- Alternative descriptions reveal notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar, black cherry, pomegranate.
- Other processing methods introduce aromas like cola, ponkan, vanilla, citrus fruits, tropical fruits, and caramel.
Processing Method
- Koffiestation offers a washed variant, with fermentation, drying on terraces and raised beds under domes.
- Other processes include Anaerobic Natural or Anaerobic Honey: fermentation in sealed bags for seven days, followed by drying for 20–23 days on beds under domes.
- Fully washed anaerobic includes 72-hour fermentation, followed by washing and drying on raised beds under domes.
- UPH stations ensure uniformity, sorting behavior, and technical oversight during processing.
- Manual sorting after drying guarantees quality for the final product.
Variety
- The cultivars Sigarar Utang and Andung Sari form the basis of this coffee.
- These varieties are Arabica types, adapted to high altitudes around 1,400–1,700 m.
- Typica-like and hybrid plants with disease resistance are also used in the region.
- Amid biodiversity, including rare flora and fauna, the area is a nature reserve.
- Intercropping supports biodiversity and adds food security.
Sustainability and ethics
- The cooperative guarantees a fixed purchase for farmers and uses profits for infrastructure or profit distribution.
- Technical support, agricultural guidance, and shade seedlings contribute to sustainable production.
- Membership requires a one-time contribution (approximately 400 USD per farmer).
- The cooperative structure strengthens bargaining power and access to training and resources.
- Use of high-quality processing equipment (roasters, cupping lab, dry mill) promotes control and quality.
Brewing advice
- Coffee station ensures compatibility with filter, espresso, and fully automatic machines.
- Other guides recommend V60 and AeroPress: medium to fine grind, water 91–96 °C, brew time 2–4 min.
- Plain Sight shares recipes for hot and iced pour-overs: 15 g coffee per 240 ml, warm 90 °C water, brew time 2:00–2:30 min.
- Flavor notes come out well with precise temperature control and correct grind.
- Soft, even extraction highlights rich chocolate and fruit tones.
Prices or reviews
- Koffiestation prices 250 g between € 12.20 and 1 kg up to € 42.50.
- Coffee Gems gives a score of 87/100 and flavor notes of black cherry, dark chocolate, brown sugar.
- John Farrer & Co notes a score of 88/100 with tasting notes of citrus, tropical fruit, dark chocolate, caramel, and red wine.
- Nelson Coffee refers to a score of 88/100 and flavor notes of orange, blackberries, and honey sweetness.
- Naga Coffee mentions a score of 85/100 for fully washed light roast with apple, clementine, floral aromas, milk chocolate.
Packaging design
- Koffiestation distinguishes the variant with a label clearly indicating the cooperative and origin.
- Packaging is available in 250 g and 1 kg sizes, with a choice of grind.
- Other suppliers present coffee in 200–1 kg bags, sometimes with elegant photos or minimalist labels.
- Specific design details are limited, but labels focus on terroir, variety, and processing.
- Practical bags with clear design support home use and branding. (generally derived)
Availability and price
- Koffiestation offers this coffee locally in the Netherlands for €12.20–€42.50 depending on weight.
- International roasters such as Parallel Coffee (UK) and Offshoot (Australia) offer anaerobic or natural variants around £11–15 or A$26.
- Coffee Gems (UK) offers 200 g from ±£12.50; Nelson Coffee ±£13.50 for filter.
- The cooperative structure ensures continuous availability; fixed purchases support planning.
- Variation in export processing (washed vs natural) affects supply and price for the specialty market.
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