Known for its natural beauty and captivating culture, Indonesia is also celebrated as one of the world’s top coffee producers. From more than 17,000 islands, the country offers a variety of unique coffee specialties.
One of the most loved coffee varieties is Sumatran Coffee. These coffees from Sumatra are sought after for their extraordinary flavor and aroma. This is why Indonesian coffee is one of the best in the world because of high-quality coffee from Sumatra.
The processing methods are also unique, resulting in flavors and aromas that are different from other regions. Before diving deeper, let’s explore what is Sumatra Coffee, its varieties, and how to choose the best quality beans!
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ToggleWhat Is Sumatran Coffee?
Sumatran Coffee is a coffee from the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Generally, this coffee variety has a rich, slightly earthy flavor and thick texture.
Is Sumatran Coffee Arabica or Robusta? Typically, Sumatra Coffee beans are developed from the Arabica variety. However, you may also find some Robusta varieties. The Arabica coffees from this region are particularly renowned for their high quality and distinctive flavor!
Sumatran Coffee is one of those unique coffees because of its rich and complex flavor profile. This is all due to its unique plantation environment, including fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate.
Also read: What Is Java Coffee: History, Taste, and Brewing Tips
What does Sumatran Coffee Taste Like?
Sumatran Coffee is known for its intense, rich, and complex flavor. If described, it tastes earthy and mixed with a chocolate-spice-tobacco combination. You might find notes resembling dried fruits or caramel that are pretty subtle!
It has a thick texture and low acidity, perfect if you serve it without added sugar or milk. This flavor makes Sumatran Coffee so desirable among intense and specialty coffee lovers.
Is Sumatran Coffee Lower in Acid?
The wet hulling technique makes Sumatra Coffee unique because of its low acidity. With this method, the treated coffee beans lose most of their acidity. It also gives Sumatran Coffee a unique characteristic with a thicker body!
Local farmers there also still maintain traditional processing. The point is to preserve the unique characteristics and aroma of the beans.
Fortunately, the low acid level doesn’t detract from the complex flavors of this type of coffee–in fact, it enhances them!

Sumatran Coffee Varieties
After getting to know what is Sumatra Coffee beans, some of the best Sumatran Coffees have been recognized globally. Each of them has its characteristics that reflect its geographical origin. The five notable varieties are Mandheling, Gayo, Lintong, Lampung and Sidikalang Coffee.
1. Mandheling
The first is Mandheling Coffee from North Sumatra. This coffee is known for its rich-complex flavor and good body. Coupled with hints of dark chocolate-tobacco notes, this coffee is often called a full-bodied coffee due to its smooth texture!
2. Gayo
Next up is Aceh Gayo Coffee from the highlands of Aceh. Generally, this variant has a fragrant aroma and tastes naturally sweet – similar to caramel or honey. This coffee is very popular among soft coffee lovers as the acidity level is relatively low.
3. Lintong
Lintong Coffee from the Lintong Nihuta region is also known as the best coffee from Sumatra. The flavor is earthy, with a hint of intense herbs and spices. Its thick texture and complex flavor make it one of the most sought-after Sumatra Coffee.
4. Lampung
Lampung Coffee comes from the southern region of Sumatra. It is characterized by a robust, bold flavor with a smoky and earthy profile. This coffee has a slightly higher acidity compared to other Sumatran varieties, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy a more vibrant cup.
5. Sidikalang
Sidikalang Coffee is grown in the highlands of North Sumatra, near Lake Toba. It is known for its smooth and balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and spice. This coffee is highly regarded for its rich aroma and full body, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Also read: 8 Types of Coffee Beans in Indonesia, Unique & You Must Try!
How to Roast Sumatran Coffee?
To get the best flavor from Sumatra Coffee beans, we must pay full attention to the roasting process! Proper roasting can bring out all the unique characteristics of Sumatran Coffee, from the earthy flavor to the rich aroma of spices. Here is a complete guide to roasting Sumatran Coffee to perfection:
1. Choose High-Quality Beans
Choose the best quality Sumatra Coffee beans. To distinguish them, the characteristics include a slightly large shape, a bluish-green color, and a fresh aroma. You can produce a delicious and aromatic cup of coffee with quality beans!
2. Use the Dark Roast Technique
Aside from being the best roasting option, the dark roast process can also emphasize the distinctive flavors found in coffee, including those that resemble chocolate, cinnamon, and tobacco.
If roasted well, the acidity of this type of coffee will also be reduced, and you have a cup of coffee that feels smooth on the tongue. However, it’s best not to roast it too long as it takes away the layers of flavor!

3. Watch the Roasting Temperature
It’s also a good idea to control the roasting temperature. Ideally, it should be between 195°C-205°C.
Please start at the lowest temperature so that your coffee beans can cook evenly, then increase it slowly until you reach a dark roast.
With proper heating, your coffee beans will be roasted evenly inside and out, ensuring a rich and full-bodied flavor!
4. Cool Down Quickly
Cool down as quickly as possible when you’ve reached the desired level of doneness. This effectively stops the roasting process–so these beans will retain their ideal flavor profile.
5. Taste Test Periodically
The last tip is to experiment whenever you can. Between batches of coffee, roasting will inevitably result in slight flavor differences.
Therefore, conduct regular taste tests until your Sumatran Coffee finally produces its best characteristics!
Also read: What Is A Roast Profile: All You Need To Know
Selecting the Best Sumatran Coffee
We know that choosing the best Sumatran Coffee is a challenging task. Therefore, follow this quick guide on how to select the perfect coffee beans.
1. Pay Attention to the Origin
First, make sure to research the region of origin of the coffee–whether it’s Mandheling, Gayo, Lintong, or any other coffee. That way, you can further understand its flavor characteristics.
2. Check the Processing Method
Known for its wet hulling method, Sumatra Coffee usually has a distinctive flavor. This makes it different from other coffee varieties!
3. Choose Organic Products
Although not all Sumatran Coffee is grown using organic methods, the flavor remains pure and free from harmful chemicals, offering a clean and authentic coffee experience.
4. Note the Roast Date
Some coffee producers include the roasting date. Therefore, opt for freshly roasted coffee for a fresher and more complex flavor!
5. Shop from a Trusted Provider
Lastly, always buy quality Sumatra Coffee beans from a trusted supplier. This way, you can trust the quality of their products without any doubts.
Also read: Delicious, These are 5 Sumatran Specialty Coffees that You Must Try
Is Sumatran Coffee Better than Colombian Coffee?
Sumatran and Colombian coffees are both highly regarded, but they differ in flavor profiles, growing conditions, and processing methods.
- Flavor Profile: Sumatran coffee tends to have a bold, earthy flavor with low acidity, often accompanied by notes of chocolate and spice. Colombian coffee, on the other hand, is known for its bright acidity, medium body, and fruity or floral notes.
- Growing Conditions: Sumatran coffee is grown in Indonesia, typically in higher altitudes with a tropical climate and volcanic soil, while Colombian coffee is cultivated in the Andean region with a diverse climate and varied altitudes.
- Processing: Sumatran coffee is often processed using the wet-hulling method, which imparts a distinct earthy flavor. Colombian coffee typically undergoes the washed process, resulting in a cleaner, crisper taste.
- Personal Preference: Whether one is better than the other depends on personal taste. Sumatran coffee is ideal for those who enjoy richer, more intense flavors, while Colombian coffee suits those who prefer a brighter, more balanced cup.
Sumatran Coffee: The Miracle of Flavor from the Land of Indonesia
Now that you understand what is Sumatra Coffee beans from Indonesia, you also appreciate how its flavor and aroma are unique, making it difficult for other coffee varieties to compete.
With a wide variety of coffee types available, from Mandheling to Lintong, you can enjoy diverse flavors that reflect the richness of nature and local culture!
Make Sumatran Coffee your daily routine. Experience the magic of its flavor by getting the best Sumatran Coffee beans from FnB Coffee! Here, we provide a variety of coffee varieties that you can try, such as Mandheling, Aceh Gayo Coffee, Sumatra Lintong Coffee, Lampung Coffee and Sidikalang Coffee.
What are you waiting for? Order our products now and enjoy the journey of flavors from the land of Sumatra right in your cup!
I write for FnB Coffee, and I always have a passion for writing anything that can presents Indonesian Coffee Diversity. From the highlands of Sumatra to the volcanic soils of Java and the unique flavours of Sulawesi, I hope to tell a plethora of stories to showcase the history, customs, and creativity behind Indonesia’s coffee culture. From the cultivation side of farming and sustainability, to brewing and flavor notes, my articles dive into everything to find out what makes Indonesian coffee truly one of a kind.