Java 'Dutch Estate' Coffee

The 17th Century brought a new vitality to the Island of Java, a new cash crop and tradition that would provide the means for a rapidly growing population to thrive: coffee. Trying to reproduce the successes of the City of Mocca in Yemen, the Dutch East India Company began importing and cultivating coffee trees, which became the largest export of the Island. Java was the first place in the world that coffee was grown outside of the Arabian Peninsula, giving it a unique history. These beans are the first to exhibit the different flavors that can come from the vastly different, rich volcanic soil of Java, and the different processing methods that come with a different climate. Since there wasn’t enough direct sunlight to dry the beans in the traditional method, the beans were wet hulled. Grown in this volcanic soil, they had a very different appearance and taste than their Arabian counterparts in Yemen, which lead traders to capitalize on their union, creating the first blend: Mocca Java. The complexity and brightness of the Arabian Peninsula fused with the tamer and earthier Indonesian beans, to create a cup of coffee like the world had never before seen. More people live on Java than any other island in the world, over 130 million. The capital of Indonesia, and largest city, Jakarta, sits on the Island as a center of commerce bustling with trade and people. During the 1800’s the Rust virus struck the Island and threatened to wipe out the Coffee trade there forever. To save their crops and farms, Robusta beans were brought in because they were much handier, and resisted the rust. Even today almost all the coffee exported from Java is Robusta beans. In the 19th century, Arabica beans found resurgence to the Island and were planted in 5 notable plantations specializing in only Arabica Beans. Today these 5 large estates produce the majority of Arabica beans on the island. Recently a Government Division has come in to regulate the growth of these coffee beans and help spread them to other locations suitable to them on the Island, driving quality to an all time high. This historic coffee region is on a rise to its former seat of prestige amongst the coffee world. Java Coffee is unique in its straight forwardness. At first sip, you are greeted with a nutty sweetness that fades into a smooth dark softness. This coffee has a soothing effect to its decline, that sits in a wonderfully unique place as an after dinner coffee, or in a blend. The unique feeling couples very well with big flavors, as it slows everything down and bids you to stay a while and enjoy life. The scent is purely Indonesian, earthy and deep with strong chocolaty notes. These beans are wet hulled, which is what gives them such a smooth feel in the cup. The volcanic soil and strict government guidelines these beans must adhere to lead to an excellence and quality that is evident with every sip. Try it with something sweet or eccentric, like a cinnamon spice cake, for an experience that will redefine the way you drink coffee.