Most of the Sumatras coming into the US are semi dry processed Mandhelings, powerful and earthy cups. One also gets the Lintong, a wet processed coffee with fairly high acidity, and characteristic lavender notes. The Japanese, on the other hand, pay premium prices for ultra clean, wet processed Indonesian coffees with low acidity. The Blue Batak is one of these. It is as yet unclear whether Paradise can get this coffee, or whether the entire crop is going to Japan.

The aroma is clean, dominated by ceder, creosote, brown sugar, and distant flowers. The taste is similar. There is a complete absence of the forest floor notes one expects in Sumatras, and it's almost a relief to get a little hint of mushroom when the cup cools. The acidity is as low as regular Mandheling, the body is heavy, but not quite as heavy as regular Mandhelings. This coffee is not going to change much at darker roasts or as espresso, the balance will merely shift a little toward the distillate notes, and the brown sugar will become more molasses-like.

Dry Fragrance: 4.5
Wet Aroma: 4.0
Flavor: 8.0
Finish: 8.0
Acidity: 6.5
Body: 8.5
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TOTAL (subtotal + 50): 89.5

• Lighter Roasts: Clean Sumatra flavors
• Darker Roasts: Molasses and distillates
• As Espresso: The ceder notes will be accentuated.