Bali 'Blue Moon' - RFA Organic
Rainforest Alliance, Organic, Shade Grown
Outstanding flavor profile, exotic, and beguiling
Bali Blue Moon coffee is an exceptional and unique Specialty Coffee produced by smallholder farmers in the fertile volcanic Kintamani Highlands of Bali.
The smallholder farmers plant their coffee trees under and around other permanent shade and fruit trees, which have proven to produce a better cup quality, enhanced sweetness, and a brighter acidity than many other Indonesian coffees.
The farming practices and regulations in Kintamani are such that only organic fertilizers are allowed, and pesticides are strictly prohibited.
In addition to be being completely organic, this wonderful Bali Blue Moon coffee is also Shade Grown.
General Flavor Observations
Bali 'Blue Moon' - RFA Organic
This is a medium to full-bodied Indonesian coffee that will (depending on the roast level) deliver an exotic and beguilingly complex profile.
The expected Indonesian spiciness is clearly present and a foundation of baker's chocolate underlines other characteristics ranging from licorice, hints of syrupy black cherry, walnuts and vanilla.
The rich aromatics after grinding are captivating; full of exotic spice and nuttiness.
While brewing, the scents that fill the air are simply amazing.
The overall body is quite smooth and syrupy (at darker roasts) with a big, round mouth feel.
Roast Level Profile Notes
Bali 'Blue Moon' - RFA Organic
My preferred roast level for this lot of Bali is a
Full City (+) roast as it provides great body and range of flavors.
My second favorite roast level is a Full City for the most complexity in the flavor profile.
Bali Blue Moon has something to offer at every level so don't hesitate to experiment!
We are always happy to accommodate any roast level you prefer.
The notes below illustrate how the various roast levels will change the profile:
City Roast (light roast)
This adventurous roast level will definitely bring out the brighter acidity and some winyness. The body will be medium, the finish crisp, and the flavor profile will provide nuttiness, vanilla and spice. If you want to experience pure Origin Characteristics, then this is your choice.
Full City Roast (medium roast)
The Full City roast level for this coffee is outstanding and is where you will find the most complexity. Plenty of chocolate notes and exotic spices are present along with hints of oak and a touch of earthiness to forest floor. The mouth feel is very smooth and lingering with a finish that tapers into notes of black cherry.
This roast choice would make for an excellent single origin espresso!
Full City (+) Roast - Preferred
This is the roast level where the body begins to deepen, and the mouth feel becomes wonderfully syrupy. Baker's chocolate, hints of cedar and black pepper emerge. The finish is very smooth with a hint of black licorice and deeper black cherry.
Vienna Roast
A Vienna Roast will create a well-defined heavier body and silky mouth feel. The notes of black licorice become more prominent and chocolate notes become more bittersweet. The acidity is well tempered yet a certain winy finish remains. This would be an excellent choice as a finish to a rich meal.
French Roast
A French roast will decrease some of the complexity but if you are seeking big, dark chocolate, spice, and a pointed, lingering finish, then look no further! This would be an excellent choice to pair with sweet foods or dessert.
Additional Information
Bali 'Blue Moon' - RFA Organic
Arabica coffee farmers in Kintamani are, for the most part, strongly organized through the Subak Abian (SA), a traditional structured organization of farmers in Bali that is similar to a cooperative.
There are 13 different Subak Abian's that are currently growing and processing coffee.
On-going improvements within coffee growing practices are expected to result in positive improvements for these smallholder Bali farmers in the areas of agriculture, technology, and economy.
- Region: Kintamani Highlands
- Traceable: Smallholder farmers
- Number of farmers: 13 Subak Abian's
- Elevation: 4,265 - 5,577 ft
- Process: Wet-hulled
- Drying: Sun Dried on patios
- Arabica Variety: Bourbon, Typica
