Latest Roaster's Choice: Sumatra FTO Sara Ate Vienna Roast

With over 30 years in the coffee business, it takes something special to make the boss raise his eyebrows in surprise. This latest Roaster's Choice is truly an exemplary Sumatra Mandheling coffee. We are stoked to share this one with you! Introducing Sumatra FTO Sara Ate Vienna Roast. 

Map of Sumatra

The highlands surrounding Takengon, in the Aceh province of Sumatra, can be found on the westernmost tip of the island. It's proximity to the equator and mountainous terrain create pockets of microclimates ideal for cultivation of finicky coffee plants. The Dutch, having already begun coffee cultivation in Indonesia in the 1700s, recognized these optimal conditions. And since the 19th century, coffee has been a major export for the region.

Members of Sara Ate Co-op

This particular offering comes from Sara Ate Co-op, 500 local members, many of whom are women, who own farms less than 3 acres in size. Small, family-owned farms often rely on co-ops like Sara Ate to handle logistical challenges, having few resources to do so themselves. With co-ops carrying these burdens, more coffee from small coffee-producing farms is able to make it to the global market. 

Our coffee broker had this to say about Sara Ate Co-op:

Sara Ate Cooperative takes on an important role of organizing local warehouses and transportation so farmers can overcome these challenges and swiftly bring the coffee to the international market, ensuring greater earnings from direct trade relationships.

Now, normally, our coffee is roasted to Full-City Medium, as not all beans showcase well in a darker roast. But this one, the roasting team found the sweet spot in a Vienna roast. Not quite as dark as French roast, so it isn't as prominently smoky. As with most Indonesian coffees, this one has a full bodied mouthfeel, velvety in texture. An earthy finish is also typical, but notes of caramel, anise, and a hint of dark chocolate set this one apart. 

Baby coffee plants grown in Aceh province, Sumatra

Fair Trade, Organic Certified

Co-op of 500 local, family-owned farms

Wet hulled processed and sun-dried

Grown at 1200-1600 masl

Notes of anise and rich caramel, with an earthy finish

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Photos provided by our coffee broker and Tri Wisnu Hadi