Sulawesi: Wet Hulled Benteng Alla

This coffee comes from Benteng Alla Utara, a small village on the slopes of Gunung Latimojong ("gunung" means mountain, or hill), which at 3,478 meters, is the highest mountain in Sulawesi. Most of the farms span an altitude range of 1400 to 1800 meters above sea level, and are planted in Typica, and the Typica hybrid called S795. Like nearby Rodo Rodo, the coffee is grown organically, though they have not obtained certification. A big part of their organic farming success is that they are goat herders, not vegetable farmers, which require pesticides. This is a Giling Basah or wet-hulled coffee. The wet-hulled process involves removing the outer cherry and only partially drying the coffee before peeling off the parchment and drying the rest of the way. This originated in Sumatra as a means of expediting the trading process and access to cash, coffee was partially processed, traded to "collectors", then dried the rest of the way. The cup profile this type of process produces is filled with herbal earth and spice flavors, bold low tones, and typically milder acidity. Sulawesi's wet hulled options have proved an impressive addition to Sumatra. Between a lower defect count to begin with, and the fantastic job by the mill sorting out those defects that make it through by hand and with machinery, the resulting green is more uniform than the majority of wet-hulled Sumatras. This is another beautiful Farm Gate coffee and is good for espresso.

Cupping Notes: Inky dark cocoa, earthy cacao, hints of tarragon, marjoram, tobacco, and cedar

Brew Recommendations: Drip, French press, pour-over, and espresso

Farm Gate Coffee: Farmers paid at least 50% above Fair Trade

Varietals: S795, Typica

Region: Rodo Rodo, Gunung Latimojong, Enrekang

Process: Wet Hulled (Giling Basah) and cover sun-dried

Altitude: 1400 -1800 meters

Equity Pricing (EP) Levels

Sustaining Level: $16 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Uplifting Level: $20 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Benefacting Level: $24 per 12 oz bag (check out subscriptions for deep discounts) | More info below

Sourced from the Rodo Rodo region of Gunung Latimojong, Enrekang, this Sulawesi: Wet Hulled Benteng Alla offering from Keia & Martyn's Coffee highlights the distinct character of Indonesian coffee production. The cup features the classic Typica varietal, which is often celebrated for its balanced structure and historical significance in global coffee cultivation. By utilizing the wet hulled method—a technique traditional to the Indonesian archipelago—the coffee develops a signature profile defined by deep, savory, and woody undertones.

In this specific lot, those processing characteristics manifest as inky dark cocoa, earthy cacao, and cedar, complemented by herbal hints of tarragon and marjoram. While wet-hulled coffees are frequently noted for their heavy body and reduced acidity, the specific nuances of this profile can be further explored using the flavor wheel. This selection provides a compelling look at how regional processing traditions shape the final sensory experience of the bean.