January 2022 - Sulawesi - Tectonic Plates, Volcanoes, Great Coffee

January 2022’s Coffee Origin - Sulawesi, Indonesia

Have you ever wondered why Sulawesi is so oddly shaped?
Probably not until right now! 
(Plus, I'll bet you're going to look up Sulawesi at some point today)

Sulawesi is situated at the meeting point of several Tectonic Plates, creating it's odd shape and terrain. This also means that it sits on many fault lines, lending itself to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Geographically on the equator, directly in the coffee belt, with high elevations and volcanic loam creates ideal conditions for coffee trees. This month's coffee origin from Southern Sulawesi will offer you a great representation of a washed coffee from this region.

INDONESIA
SULAWESI RANTEKARUA ESTATE
Region: South Sulawesi
Varietals: Catimor, S795, and Typica
Growing Elevation: 4900+ feet
Soil: Volcanic Loam
Process: Fully Washed and Sun Dried
Certifications: Organic & Rainforest Alliance
Flavour Profile and Notes: GO CUP YOURSELF and find out!

The coffee you are about to enjoy is from the Rantekarua Estate.  The Estate is located in the Bittuang District of Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi Province (that's a mouthful).  The Toraja are indigenous people for which the area is named and whose domestic structures are depicted on the coffee sack above (the boat shaped roofs you may be picturing when thinking of Sulawesi).  Also known for a rich textile weaving history, they maintain their traditions including a village-style community and Animism (the belief that all things have a spiritual essence).  Aluk to Dolo (the way of the ancestors) informs and shapes many of their rituals and customs. Speaking of ancestors, if you have time, search for Sulawesi Burial Customs. Their respect and attention to their ancestors is next level to say the least!

The Rantekarua Estate is four hours on unpaved roads from the nearest major city, Rantepao.  The farm is owned and operated by the Sulotco Jaya Abadi which also operate a coffee processing facility in the Bolokan Valley.  To ensure their farms remain Organic they produce and use sheep manure to enrich the soil.  Upwards of two thousand sheep are distributed to their farmers,  who then collect and sell the manure for organic fertilizer. Sulotco Jaya Abadi provides many local jobs and has invested in schools and infrastructure for the local communities around their farms. 

Roaster’s Notes:
As discussed with previous Indonesian origins, they are fairly unforgiving as they roast. Without constant attention they will transition from first to second crack with little warning roasting uneven and inconsistently. This month's coffee was taken to a Medium or Viennese style roast.  This will allow you to experience the "earthy" notes without having them over power the flavours we are looking for.  There are some tasting notes that are not listed in our online flavour wheel this month. If you'd like, add them in your notes when rating the coffee or just enjoy them and secretly know they are there.

Cupping-wise, look for Bakers Chocolate and …wait a minute, if you want cupping notes Go Cup Yourself!

Once you have finished Cupping, click on the “EXPERT TASTED” tab for our tasting notes. Can’t wait to compare notes.

As always, we'd love to hear from you. Better yet, tell the world what you think. If you've been enjoying the Go Cup Yourself experience, please take a moment to review us on Facebook, Google, Yelp, Reddit, a bathroom stall door or anywhere you get your reviews.