In a moment we'll start with the description, but right now you need to order this coffee and some of the Bali Blue Moon.  The Kintamani and Blue Moon start off from the same crop, but are processed differently.  This is one of the very few coffees we know of that will allow you to taste the difference processing methods can make using the same beans.  We think you'll find two very distinct, very different, and very pleasing cups.

We had intended to start with a long description of natural or dry processing, since that is what gives Bali Kintamani its unique cup character.  On the other hand, Wikipedia has an excellent discussion, so if you are interested we recommend you read what they have to day at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_processing. 

One thing that makes Bali different from most of Indonesia is that while the majority of Indonesians are Muslim, the people on Bali are, by and large, Hindu.  There is wide spread poverty on the island, even by Indonesian standards.  Coffee is helping to change that.  The coffee co-ops on Bali are sort of a combination of commerce and religious group.  They are democratically operated and tend to follow Hindu principles of the relationship between religion and man, to others, and to the environment.  Kintamani is the name of a mountainous region in northern Bali, and this coffee takes it's name from that region.

Until recently, most Bali coffee was wet processed like coffee coming from Java, Timor and Papua New Guinea.  And, most of it went to Japan.  Looking to differentiate itself and to open new markets, the co-ops started experimenting with semi-wet processing (Bali Blue Moon) and, with the Kintamani, natural processing.  So this lot is really the result of an experiment.  We think it was a successful one.

Natural (dry) processing adds layers of complexity to coffee.  Some people find that distracting, while others (ourselves included) find it exciting and intriguing.  The Indonesian character is more evident (earthiness and increased body) but the wild, untamed peach and apricot notes are evident in the fragrance.  The flavor continues that fruit theme and adds raspberry, sweet brandy, and as one cupper described it, a "jelly roll" sweetness.  Sound crazy?  Well, it is, sort of.  It is a wild, eclectic mix of tones and flavors that even experienced cuppers find hard to describe. 

Funny thing, though.  While they had trouble telling you why they liked it, they just knew they did.  We think you will, too.

For a really different coffee, mix some of the Bali Blue Moon and some of the Bali Kintamani.