Mandheling Gayo - Wet Hulled

Most coffees labeled “Mandheling” originate from the Aceh and North Sumatra provinces, both rich in volcanic soils. Aceh, the northernmost province, features highlands around Lake Tawar, known for its unique coffee terroir. North Sumatra has diverse landscapes, including Lake Toba, a notable coffee producing area.

The smallholder coffee process in Sumatra is complex, with no single oversight during production. Coffee is processed through various steps by different parties. Farms typically range from 0.5 to 2 hectares, and each village has collectors who gather fresh coffee cherries daily. After depulping, fermentation, and washing, coffee is sun-dried and then sent to a central miller for hulling, creating “wet-hulled” beans that are further dried on large patios. Expect this coffee to have notes of chocolate and a syrupy body with some earthy and herbal notes.