Java coffee is more than just a name on a bag—it's a connection to centuries of coffee history and tradition. The name "Java" itself is synonymous with coffee, a legacy that dates back to the 1700s when coffee first began to be cultivated outside of Ethiopia and Arabia. Today, Java coffee continues to be celebrated for its distinctive flavors and unique processing methods. At Red River Roastery, we’re proud to offer a medium roasted whole bean Java coffee that embodies the best of this storied origin. Let’s delve into what makes our Java coffee so special and the history behind it.
Our Java coffee comes from the Blue Sunda Estate, nestled at 1,500 to 1,600 meters above sea level in the steep, rugged terrain of West Java, Indonesia. This region is known for its challenging landscape, where coffee cherries are so difficult to access that they’re often harvested and transported by scooter rather than traditional four-wheel-drive vehicles. This dedication to bringing the best coffee from such a remote area highlights the effort and care that goes into every bean we roast.
The Blue Sunda Estate produces between 80 to 90 tons of coffee each year on its 50-hectare plantation, making it a significant player in the local coffee industry. This estate’s coffee is often considered the true "Java" component of the Mocha Java blend, one of the oldest and most famous coffee blends in the world. Traditionally, this blend combined coffee from Yemen (Mocha) with Java Arabica coffee, creating a profile that has been enjoyed by coffee drinkers for centuries.
The history of coffee in Java is rich and deep, with its roots going back to the early 18th century when Yemeni coffee seedlings were brought to Indonesia via trade routes through India. The Dutch East India Company played a crucial role in the spread of Java coffee, establishing it as the first origin outside of Ethiopia and Arabia to cultivate coffee on a large scale. This made Java coffee one of the earliest coffees to be widely exported to Europe, cementing its place in the global coffee culture.
One of the aspects that makes Java coffee unique is its processing method, known as wet-hulling or "Giling Basah" in Indonesian. This method is particularly common in Indonesia and is a key factor in developing the coffee's distinctive flavor profile. Wet-hulling involves removing the parchment layer from the coffee beans while they are still wet, after which the beans are dried to the desired moisture level.
This process contrasts with the more common washed method, where the beans are fully dried before the parchment is removed. Wet-hulling contributes to a unique cup profile with a creamy mouthfeel, bright acidity, and a slightly earthy undertone that is characteristic of Indonesian coffees. This earthiness is subtle in our medium roast, allowing the other flavors to shine through while still giving a nod to its Indonesian roots.
The flavors you can expect from our Java coffee are both intriguing and complex. Notes of tobacco and cedar offer a rich, almost rustic quality, while lemongrass adds a refreshing, citrusy brightness. The addition of spices like caraway and cardamom brings depth and warmth to the cup, creating a coffee that’s both bold and balanced. The medium body of the coffee ensures that these flavors are well-rounded and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a coffee with a bit of character.
At Red River Roastery, we believe that a medium roast is the perfect way to showcase the complexity and richness of Java coffee. A medium roast allows us to develop the full spectrum of flavors present in the bean without overwhelming its natural characteristics. The tobacco, cedar, and spice notes are fully developed, yet the brightness of the lemongrass and the creaminess of the mouthfeel are preserved, creating a balanced and harmonious cup.
Roasting to a medium level also helps to highlight the bright acidity that is a hallmark of this coffee. This acidity is what gives the coffee its lively, refreshing quality, making each sip a new experience. The medium body complements this acidity, ensuring that the coffee is rich and satisfying without being heavy.
For those who are looking for a coffee that tells a story through its flavors, our medium roasted Java coffee is an excellent choice. It’s a coffee that speaks of its origins, its unique processing, and the centuries of history that have brought it to your cup.
When you need a coffee that is as rich in history as it is in flavor, our medium roasted Java coffee from Red River Roastery is the perfect choice. Sourced from the Blue Sunda Estate in West Java, this coffee offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is sure to delight any coffee enthusiast. Whether you’re drawn to its notes of tobacco and cedar or the bright citrusy zing of lemongrass, this coffee promises a satisfying and memorable experience.
Order your Java coffee from Red River Roastery today and enjoy a cup of coffee that not only tastes incredible but also connects you to one of the most storied origins in the coffee world. Experience the depth and richness of Java coffee, freshly roasted and delivered right to your door.
