TASTING NOTES: Smokey, orange peel, spice
ROAST DEGREE: Bold
VARIETY: Gayo
PRODUCER: Permata Gayo
RECOMMENDED BREWING METHOD: Drip
ABOUT THE COFFEE
This is a fair-trade, organic certified coffee from the coastal plains of Sumatra’s northern-most province, the mountains of Aceh Tengah are the historical home to the Gayonese people. The ideal growing conditions of this region have supported the long history and unique quality reputation of "Gayo Mountain" coffee.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Years of civil war plagued this region, causing many farmers to abandon their land and flee to the neighbouring city of Medan. After a powerful tsunami hit the coastal region of northern Sumatra in 2014, peace accords were signed, ending a generation of violence and allowing many to return to their land. Permata Gayo Cooperative was founded in 2006, when 50 farmers from 5 villages in the Bener Meriah district of Aceh Province came together to discuss how to rebuild their abandoned coffee farms. They were successful in increasing their membership and achieved organic certification in 2007 and fair trade certification from FLO-Cert in 2009. They have brought the full process of coffee production from farmer to final export under one roof, thus improving quality and guaranteeing more traceability from Aceh to the roaster. As a result of their growth and improvements, the coop has been able to share more of the final price of coffee with their farmers.
Roasted in Stoufvillle, Ontario, Alternative Grounds has been operating as an ethical Canadian producer since 1995. They are passionate about a great cup of coffee and the importance of its origins. In partnership with progressive co-ops around the world, Alternative Grounds is focused on coffee quality, environmental sustainability and fair income for farmers.