Sembalun Rinjani

Sembalun is a high valley on the eastern flank of Mount Rinjani, Lombok's active volcano and the second highest in Indonesia. The valley is better known for strawberries and garlic, but its cool air and ash-rich soil suit coffee, and a young generation of growers has started processing small natural lots. Whole cherries dry on raised beds in the strong valley sun, and the long contact with the fruit gives this coffee a winey, red grape character. A medium roast balances that fruit with a cacao nib bitterness and the deep caramel sweetness of gula aren, Indonesian palm sugar. It is the most adventurous pouch in the set and the one that rewards a little experimenting with grind and ratio. It also makes an excellent kopi tubruk: the fruit survives the boil.