Roasting August 19th ONLY (8oz Bags)

White Label Yemen 

Tasting Notes: banana and zucchini breads, thick cocoa powder, walnuts

Suggested Brewing Method:  French Press, Drip, Moka Pot

We’re always thrilled to find an exceptional Yemeni coffee to offer, and this year our favorite is one we’ve had an opportunity to roast once before with much success, Mocca Matari.

Yemen’s long history of coffee production is second only to that of Ethiopia, the country where coffee originated. A part of that history is reflected in the term “Mocca” (one of a few transliterations from the Arabic), which refers to the former principal port of the region through which coffees grown in several surrounding sub-districts pass on their way to market.

Our White Label Yemen Mocca is a blend of coffees from one of these sub-districts, Bani Matari. The area is made up of stony hillsides descending to desert-like flat lands beneath. Crops are grown on small, terraced plots, many of them fed by natural irrigation systems. This lot is made up of coffee from roughly 100 farmers who on average have 1,000 tall, old-growth trees planted on less than 1/2 hectare of land at high altitude, from between 6,500 and 7,500 feet above sea level.

Although the Yemeni political situation remains in crisis, coffee production in Yemen continues, albeit in a rustic, tradition bound manner. This lot was secured through Fatoum Muslot, who took over the family coffee business started by her father back in the 1950s. Widely experienced in exporting Yemeni coffee, under Fatoum’s management the family has moved to incorporate more modern, specialty quality methods, including practices such as stringent hand sorting and the use of Ecotact storage bags.

In the cup, this year’s Yemen Matari delivers baking spices and nuts, conjuring banana and zucchini breads, walnuts, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. These flavors float on a thick and silky body with just a hint of winey sangria-like acidity. The nutty, spiced bread aromas are complimented by a deep, rich essence of cocoa powder and a very subtle uncurrent of mixed berry, both of which come to the fore in the finish.

Offering exceptional Yemeni coffee has recently been rare for us due to the difficulties exporting from a country that remains in conflict. So, be sure to enjoy the comforting and varied spices in this month’s Mocca Matari while you can.

Origin: Yemen

Region: Bani Matari

Farm: Multiple small farms

Elevation: 7,000+ ft

Variety: Heirloom cultivars

Process: Natural, sun dried