Unroasted - Sumatra Mandheling GR1 (Coffee of the Week)

About the bean

Sumatra’s Giling Basah wet-hulling method delivers an iconic flavour profile: spicy, earthy, bold bodied, and less acidic than most (which also results in a peculiar, albeit legendary porous blue-green appearance for raw beans). The country’s regional distinctions add layers of complexity, with the classic Mandheling serving up a rich chocolate-spice character. 

Sourced from the volcanic highlands of Simalungun and Karo—the cradle of Sumatran coffee—this Mandheling GR1 lot embodies ancestral agroforestry traditions, where Batak families cultivate small plots in symbiosis with rainforest ecosystems. United under the Karo Community Cooperative, these smallholders merge generational wisdom with innovative techniques, pooling resources to refine quality while preserving Sumatra’s signature “weird-wonderfulness” through sustainable, community-driven practices.

In the cup, a buttery texture and vanilla-forward sweetness is particularly evident at a City roast profile. For espresso/Americano and V60 preparations, a light-to-medium roast (City) gave us a remarkably smooth, sweet profile while retaining the dense mouthfeel characteristic of Sumatra. Acidity here is moderate, balanced, and avoids the sharpness often associated with lighter roasts. We recommend an immersion method (French press, Aeropress) for optimal expression at this roast level. A Full City roast (medium-dark) delivered more drama: smoky, earthy tones, and a diminished sweetness and acidity. The result: a heavier body and amped up creaminess. This is what you want, when you want a robust brew (and we do).

TASTING NOTES

Fruity. Orange Citrus. Gentle Herbal Earthiness. Long Clean Smoky Finish.

QUICK NOTES

REGION: Simalungun, Karo
FARMS: Simalungun & Karo Community Coop
PROCESS: Semi-Washed, Wet-Hulled (aka Giling Basah)
DRYING: Sun-dried on patio
ALTITUDE: 1,200 - 1,300 masl.
VARIETAL: Ateng (Sigarar Utang)
GRADE: 1
ROAST RECOMMENDATION: Light to Medium. For an explanation of our different roasts, see here: https://greenbeanery.ca/pages/roasting-chart.