Single Origin: Sumatra Asman Gayo

ROSSO RESERVE: A new series of small batch, high-end Single Origin coffees.

THE FACTS:

Country: Sumatra  
Region: Aceh, Takengon  
Varietal: Ateng, Bor Bor, Catimor, Timor  
Process: Natural  
Altitude: 1300 - 1650 masl  

TASTING NOTES:

Vanilla, passion fruit, caramel

BACKGROUND:

The Asman Gayo Mill in the Pegasing district of Takengon is a beacon of exceptional coffee production in the famous Aceh region of Sumatra. Managed by Cup of Excellence winner Asman Arianto, this mill supports a vibrant community of small coffee producers in the Pantan Musara villages, who have turned a past marked by natural disasters into a resilient focus on high-quality coffee cultivation.

The coffee here is grown on volcanic mountains amidst lush rainforests, benefiting from a unique microclimate that contributes to the coffee's distinctive flavor profile. Unlike many Sumatran coffees that undergo the Wet-Hulling process, Asman Gayo Mill specializes in naturally processed coffees. This method involves drying coffee cherries whole, which imbues the beans with a complex flavour spectrum—highlighted by notes of vanilla and a heady, boozy acidity reminiscent of jammy red wine.

This coffee stands out not only for its flavour but also for its commitment to sustainability and community resilience. The producers here are primarily smallholders, who have pioneered in rebuilding their coffee cultivation with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability leading to a product that is as rich in history as it is in taste.

The natural process used at Asman Gayo not only preserves the unique history of the Aceh region but also reflects a dedication to producing coffee that respects the environment and local communities.